For Immediate Release
Contact: Cathy Droke
Phone: (407) 481-2774

For Immediate Release

UCF Students Make A 24-Hour Stand For Charity

ORLANDO, FL- Hundreds of students from across the UCF campus spent 24 hours dancing the night away for the 10th annual Dance Marathon, held this past Saturday, and lasted from 10 am until 10 am Sunday.  Their yearlong fundraising efforts culminated in this 24 hour event all to benefit Shands Children's Hospital at the University of Florida and Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children through Greater Orlando Children's Miracle Network (CMN).

UCF's largest student-run philanthropy, Dance Marathon celebrated its 10th anniversary Las Vegas style, with themed entertainment ranging from karaoke and poker competitions to shows provided by magicians, hypnotists, and live bands.  Keeping true to its name, Dance Marathon featured performances from groups such as Rukus and Elements, both hip-hop student dance groups.  Instructors were also on hand to provide lessons in different genres of dance from country line dancing to salsa.   Although dancing was optional, participants got spirited during the morale dance, a choreographed dance to a medley of music performed sporadically throughout the night.  "Moralers", individuals whose sole job was to pump up the dancers, provided much needed support during the event, giving back massages and offering prizes to spirited dancers donated by Office Max and other DM sponsors.  Morale Director, Liz Helmer said, "It's important for the dancers to remember why they're doing Dance Marathon.  They're standing for the kids who can't."

While all the fun and excitement helped to keep the dancers energized the whole night, the biggest motivation for participants was a visit by the children and families treated at the hospitals.  Student Director of Dance Marathon, Tara O'Keeffe said "Staying awake and on your feet for an entire 24 hours sounds like a challenge, but compared to what the children we are dancing to save go through, it's only a small task to conquer."  Inspired by the dedication of the students, some families even contributed their own money to go towards the cause as students quickly matched the donation.  Participants signed personal checks on the spot to add to the grand total.

This year, fundraising efforts for Dance Marathon 2006 totaled over $31,000, and in her second year as Executive Director, O'Keeffe was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community.  "The UCF community never ceases to amaze me with their help.  We couldn't have done it without all of the help from our food donors Chipotle, Huey Magoos, Silver Mine Subs, and Jeremiah's Italian Ice, and the UCF clubs and organizations like Late Knights."  Along with the sponsors, the dancers were the real Miracle Makers of DM.

ABOUT CMN: Children's Miracle Network began in 1983 to help children by actively supporting better health care for kids. Today, more than 170 hospitals throughout North America, specializing in pediatrics, are affiliated with Children's Miracle Network.  Shands Children's Hospital at the University of Florida and Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children share the funds raised through Greater Orlando Children's Miracle Network. For more information about Greater Orlando Children's Miracle Network, visit http://www.gocmn.org.

ABOUT DM: Dance Marathon at the University of Central Florida began in 1997 as an effort between Children's Miracle Network and the Campus Activities Board (CAB) at UCF to benefit children who seek medical treatment at Shands Children's Hospital at the University of Florida, and Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Women in Orlando.  Dance Marathon at UCF has raised over $150,000 since it began, and is working hard to raise more this year.  With hundreds of students directly involved and over 1000 community members coming to visit and participate in related, UCF Dance Marathon has become the largest student-run philanthropy at UCF.  For more information about UCF Dance Marathon, contact Tara O'Keeffe at cabdm@mail.ucf.edu or visit http://www.ucfdm.com.

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Contact Greater Orlando Children's Miracle Network, 22 West Lake Beauty Drive, Suite 102 - Orlando, FL 32806. Phone: 407-481-2774.