![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.utk.edu\/tntoday\/images\/dancemarathon-large.jpg\" "\\"Dance")
KNOXVILLE — Students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, are kicking up their heels this weekend to raise money for children with cancer and other blood-related diseases.<\/p>\nKNOXVILLE — Students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, are kicking up their heels this weekend to raise money for children with cancer and other blood-related diseases.<\/p>\n
UT’s Dance Marathon lasts from 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, to noon Saturday, Feb. 20. Check-in for participants begins at 8:30 p.m. in the Aquatic Center. Participants will then move to the Tennessee Recreational Center for Students (TRECS).<\/p>\n
The event is the culmination of a year of fundraising for the hematology and oncology clinic at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.<\/p>\n
Dance Marathon, the largest student-run philanthropy on campus, has been held every year since 1995 and to date has raised more than $900,000. Last year alone about 450 UT students participated to raise around $45,000.<\/p>\n
UT is one of 77 colleges and universities around the country participating in the Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon program. Each school chooses an area hospital to benefit.<\/p>\n
Dance Marathon is not a dance-a-thon in which students have to keep dancing all night long. Rather, each participant raises money before the event, which is a celebration of their efforts. This year’s event features a wide variety of entertainment including live music and performances. Bands include Kelsey’s Woods, On the House and Second String. Hypnotist Gabriel Holmes will perform, as well as the Jim Lineham Dance Troupe.<\/p>\n