Transcription: Marathon Raises Fund
By Jan Smith / Indiana Daily Student
Colorful banners hung from the rafters of the IU Fieldhouse this weekend, encouraging participants in IU's first Dance Marathon to “Dance ‘Til You Drop for Riley’s Kids!”
The event, which combined dancing, games and Jive entertainment, raised $45,329.02 for the Riley Hospital for Children at the IU Medical Center in Indianapolis.
About 175 dancers joined with the IUDMC and sponsors such as Pepsi, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s and the Indiana Memorial Union to make the 1991 Dance Marathon a success.
“36 Hours of Dance to Give Others a Chance!,” one banner announced.
Those 36 hours, beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, were organized by the IU Dance Marathon Council. The group of more than 100 students formed after Interfraternity Council President Bryan Neale, Panhellenic Association President Kristi Engle and Student Alumni Council Vice President Jill Stewart witnessed the success of Penn State University’s Dance Marathon pro-gram, the top-rated student fund-raiser in the country.
“I think it’s set up really well,” sophomore John Chomica said. “(The workers from the IUDMC) are really courteous. They give back rubs and try to make· you as comfortable a possible. You tend to forget you’re tired.”
It was not a typical dance. Shiny black pumps were replaced by Nike running shoes, and dancers were concerned more with comfort than fashion.
“I’m not tired, I’m just sore,” sophomore Maxie Kent said. “All the activities keep me awake.”
Activities included a Birthday Party Hour, Saturday morning cartoons, a slepshow by Kappa Alpha Psi sorority and live music per-formed by bands such as Hop-scotch Army and Situation Grey.
Riley Hospital is seeking funds to establish the state’s first infectious-disease center. Dedicated to finding a cure for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, the center would honor one of the hospital’s former AIDS patients, Ryan White.
The money was raised through pledges, can donations, and profits from T-shirt, poster and raffle ticket sales.
Besides fund-raising, one of the IUDMC’s goals is continuing the Marathon as an annual event.
“I hope we’re able to begin a new IU tradition,” said junior Kevin O’Donnell, a member of the IUDMC’s internal coordinating committee. “I feel that this will grow in popularity,” he said. “This is a good way for people to get together and not only dance, but also get to know each other. After all, they’re going to be together for 36 hours.”
Exhaustion was beginning to show Saturday afternoon. It was then that senior Wendy Braun, morale director, took the stage.
“I wasn’t planning on crying,” she said. “Listen, I know you’re tired, OK? But you’ve got to take a look up at those banners and re-member what this is for. This is about giving, not receiving. This is a selfless thing. This is going to be · the best thing ever!”
Energy levels also were sparked by Jeanne White, Ryan White’s mother. White was a teenage AIDS patience whose case has attracted national attention.
As a supporter of ‘he marathon, she spoke to the crowd of dancers and workers about the legacy of her son and the obstacles he had to clear.
“It was just what the dancers needed to hear. It was so inspirational,” said sophomore Julie Helfrich, internal communications coordinator.
