Oct. 15, 2004
UW-RF Student Dance Marathon Goal is $15,000
By
Christine Duellman
UW-RF News Bureau
The newest and biggest student organization at UW-River Falls, Smiles 4 Kids,
is coordinating the 2004 Dance Marathon with hopes of raising more than $15,000
for Gillette Children's Hospital.
Dance Marathon will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 20 in the Robert
P. Knowles Physical Education and Recreation Center at UW-RF. The purpose of
this marathon is to raise money for the hospital and also to raise awareness
about children’s diseases and disabilities.
"This is a great opportunity for college students to make a difference
in other people’s lives," said Jeremy Kalal, the president of Smiles
4 Kids and coordinator of Dance Marathon.
So far Smiles 4 Kids has 243 members who are dedicated to volunteering and raising
money for children’s hospitals. There is a lot of enthusiasm and an overwhelming
amount of participation, Kalal said.
Members of Smiles 4 Kids are working hard to ensure this year's dance marathon
is a success, says Kalal. In addition to raising money and awareness, they hope
to increase the amount of community participation for this annual event.
"Our overall goal is to make it a great experience for everyone so that
the tradition of dance marathon will continue on over the years," explained
Kalal.
Dance Marathon is open to anyone who wishes to participate. Prior to the event,
participants must form groups of 10 and together raise a minimum of $150. They
can either donate this money out of their own pockets or find a sponsor for
the event. The registration deadline is Nov. 1, and cost is $10 per person.
The fee covers the cost of each participant’s t-shirt in addition to food,
music and games on the day of the event.
Participants will have the opportunities to make several emotional connections
during Dance Marathon as six families from Gillette Children’s Hospital
will be there to give personal testimonials. Singer and songwriter David Allen
will also perform throughout the day.
Dance Marathon will be open to the public from 4 to 6 p.m. Community members
and sponsors can come and see first hand what is being done by this organization
to help children’s health issues. During the last half hour of the event
there will be a presentation of the proceeds check in addition to a surprise
ending.
Smiles 4 Kids is accepting donations and sponsors for Dance Marathon. Anyone
interested in donating time or money to this event should contact Jeremy Kalal
at 715/425-4514 or via email at Jeremy.w.kalal@uwrf.edu.
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