Students at the University of Tennessee have been raising money for the dance marathon since September in hopes of raising $100,000 for this year’s philanthropy event. The event supports the Oncology and Hematology clinics at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.

Students, faculty and any student organizations are encouraged to get involved in this cause. Participants must pay a $25 entry fee or give a list of 30 friends and family members. Participants are strongly encouraged to raise $175 by the event date in an effort to reach the $100,000 goal set forth. Students can take part individually or as a team or organization. Although the event is growing near, students are welcome to sign up. Registration is available online or in room 305 of the University Center.

Having been involved with this charity since 1995, The University of Tennessee has helped it grow to become the largest student-run event that benefits the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Since UT began the dance marathon, over $770,000 has been raised. Penn State University started a similar event in 1977 by supporting the Penn State Children’s Hospital’s cancer treatment center. Today, a total of 77 colleges and universities around the country have a dance marathon event supporting their local Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.