Grand Valley State University students raised more than $4,500 for the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital at the third annual Dance Marathon.

On Oct. 15, participants celebrated the third annual GVSU marathon, put on by sorority Phi Mu. They danced at the Kirkhof Center for eight hours, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Although the marathon was based around dancing, there were more activities to keep all attendees active.

“There were different activities going on all throughout the night,” said Sarah Poniewierski, director of the event. “There was music playing the whole time, an inflatable bounce house and a comedian. There were also games going on throughout the night.”

It cost $5 to register as part of a team and $10 as an individual, and donations were open to the public. Many local businesses also pitched in. Funds from all entrance fees and donations went toward Helen DeVos Chidren’s Hospital.

“Dance Marathon would not have been possible without Tom Coy,” Brincat said. “Without his help, there was no way we would have had such a successful night. We also cannot thank DJ Monahan Mobile enough, and all of the other businesses that donated their time and money to help us make Dance Marathon such a success.”

The overall goal was to keep attendees standing and/or dancing for a full eight hours as they embarked in activities throughout the course of the night. By the end of it, the hope was to educate the campus and community about the important cause while having fun.

“Many of these children go through pain that many of us will never be able to comprehend,” said Megan Brincat, the morale committee chair. “Spending eight hours on our feet was just a small way for us to show our support for these children.”

More than 300 students attended this year’s gathering, along with a handful of children with their families.

“One miracle family came and spoke,” Poniewierski said. “We were also joined by two women who work at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, in the foundation center. I think that the best part of the whole night was knowing about the cause we were all supporting.”

The marathon is GVSU’s largest student-run philanthropy event.

At this year’s marathon, the organization was able to raise more than $4,500.

“Dance Marathon was a huge success,” said Kelsey Williams, Phi Mu’s assistant philanthropy chair. “We could have not been so successful without the help of Laker Weekends and all of our donors.”

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