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UW-RF STUDENT DANCE MARATHON GOAL IS $15,000

By Jenna Campbell
UW-RF University Communications

OCT. 28, 2005--The organization Smiles 4 Kids is coordinating the annual 2005 Dance Marathon for the second time at UW-River Falls. Smiles 4 Kids hopes to raise $15,000 for Gillette Children's Hospital. In 2004, Smiles 4 Kids raised $11,200 for the specialty hospital.

People will be able to try their dance moves from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Nov. 12 in the newly remodeled Robert P. Knowles Physical Education and Recreation Center.

"The main goal of Smiles 4 Kids is to help children at Gillette Children's Hospital," says Michelle Abts of La Crosse, co-president of Smiles 4 Kids. "We help financially, as well as volunteering our time to go to the hospital for an hour to socialize with the kids. During that time we coordinate craft activities that promote motor skills."

Dance Marathon is open to anyone who would like to participate. Information on registration is located at the front desk of the Leadership Center in the Hagestad Student Center. Prior to the event, teams of 10 are encouraged to be formed, and they are asked to raise a minimum of $150. Each participant also must pay a $15 fee. It covers the cost of a T-shirt as well as food, music and games on the day of the event.   Throughout the day contests will be held and prizes will be rewarded.

Students will also have the opportunity to make emotional connections with families who will be coming to speak at the event. Five families that spoke last year, and this year organizers hope to have just as many if not more.   A deejay from the radio station KS-95 will also be appearing at Dance Marathon.

"This event is open to the public, and we encourage everyone to come," says Abts. Community members and sponsors are able to come and see what the organization is doing to help the children's health issues.

Smiles 4 Kids will accept donations and sponsors for Dance Marathon. Those who would like to donate time or money can contact co-presidents: Abts at 715-425-4246 or via e-mail at michelle.abts@uwrf.edu or e-mail Michael Hovestol of River Falls at michael.hovestol@uwrf.edu .

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