MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University students will be putting their dancing feet to the test Feb. 26 and 27 at the Mountainlair during the 2011 Dance Marathon, benefiting the WVU Children’s Hospital.

The event lasts 18 hours, most of which will be spent dancing to raise money. Volunteers will also provide the dancers with other forms of entertainment, including games and refreshments. Former patients of WVU Children’s Hospital will stop by and allow the dancers a chance to visit with people similar to the ones they are helping.

“We really appreciate all the students who organize and participate in the Dance Marathon each year. Eighteen hours is a long time to dance, so these students are working really hard to help us out, and we are very grateful for their efforts,” Cheryl Jones, R.N., director of WVU Children’s Hospital, said.

Last year the student-organized event raised more than $30,000 through contributions and support from the community and pledge sponsors.

This will be the 13th year the WVU Children’s Hospital has partnered with the Children’s Miracle Network to host the Dance Marathon. This year’s theme is “Dr. Seuss: One Kid, Two Kids, We Dance for All Kids.” 

Any business or individual interested in underwriting the event should contact Lora Edgell, Children’s Miracle Network director, at 304-598-4346 ext. 2.

For more information about the WVU Dance Marathon, including information on donating, see http://www.helpmakemiracles.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.eventDetails&eventID=761.