Dancing, live music, video games and basketball are just a few of the activities that take place at Dance Marathon, a 14-hour event that raises and donates money for East Tennessee Children's Hospital Oncology and Hematology Clinic.

This year's event will take place at the Tennessee Recreational Center Feb. 20 through Feb. 21 from 7 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday.  

Love, Peace, and Happiness, a mo-town cover band from Chattanooga, Tenn., will perform at Dance Marathon for the third time. The band is the event's headlining performance and a crowd favorite, Kerri Lovegrove, Dance Marathon student advisor, said. Debka and the Oasis Dancers will also perform for their third year in a row.

The first Dance Marathon was held at Penn State University in 1973.  Now, the event is held at universities around the country. In 1995 Dance Marathon made its' mark at UT. Currently, it is the largest student-run philanthropy event on UT campus and in the country. Each year, nationwide institutions collaborate with a local Children's Miracle Network hospital.

Hayley Martin, Dance Marathon campus publicity executive committee member, said she encourages UT students and faculty to come out and dance for the kids.

Martin said, "It is a wonderful event for the children, their families, hospital staff and UT students. It really shows what is important in life."

It is a wonderful event for the children, their families, hospital staff and UT students. It really shows what is important in life.
Hayley Martin, Dance Marathon campus publicity executive committee member

Last year, Dance Marathon raised more than $81,000 and had more than 600 participants. This year's goal is to raise $100,000 or more. The money raised for the hospital each year helps families afford the treatments their children need.

Throughout the year, Dance Marathon members hold fundraising events and send donation letters to friends and family.

Lovegrove said, "For me, the best part is seeing all the hard work the students have put into the event come to fruition. The students began working on Dance Marathon 2009 in March of 2008. I am incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication. They have truly developed into wonderful leaders."

Kate Phelps, Dance Marathon executive committee president, said the event is sponsored by the office of Student Activities, but other businesses and organizations help sponsor as well.

Last year's sponsors included: Orange Nation, The Rush Fitness, McKay Books, UT Campus Dining and Interfraternity Council.

UT students and faculty can register in Room 305 in the Office of Student Activities in the University Center, or online at the Dance Marathon website. Each participant is expected to raise at least $175 for the event.