There is no rest for the weary.

But there will be satisfaction and pride this weekend for the 272 couples who dance 48 grueling hours during the 17th annual Interfraternity Council Dance Marathon.

The marathon, which begins at 7 tonight in the White Building main gymnasium, raises money for the Hershey Medical Center's Four Diamonds Fund. The fund benefits childhood cancer patients.

"It's exciting and we're ready for it to start," said Judy Bevevino, a Morale Team captain.

More than 1,000 students helped organize the marathon, said Overall Committee Chairman Jonathan Ferrara.

"I can't even realize that it's here already," said Ferrara, who has been working since April to organize the event.

The marathon is the largest student-run philanthropy in the nation, raising more than $1.3 million for the Four Diamonds Fund. The 540 dancers and more than 1,000 committee members raised $324,199 last year.

"Raising more money than last year is my goal," Ferrara said, adding that the total amount raised is inconsequential except for the fact that every dollar's contribution will benefit the children.

Festivities surrounding the marathon officially began at the Kickoff Dinner Feb. 2. Miss America 1988, Kaye Lani Rae Rafko, spoke at the dinner as part of a promotion for the marathon. University fraternity and sorority members began canning throughout the Northeast following the dinner.

Local businesses have contributed supplies for the marathon and the dancers. Several bands and B103-FM radio station will provide the dancing music.

"It's definitely all coming together really well," said Sloane Seiler, marketing committee chairwoman.

Ten committees are responsible for coordinating various aspects of the marathon, Ferrara said.

"It's up to them to make it work," he said, adding that committee help has enabled him to feel relaxed as the weekend begins.

Ten committees work together to ensure the overall success of the marathon. The committees are:

-- The Entertainment Committee is responsible for everything the dancer sees and hears during the marathon, Ferrara said. The committee contacts bands, teams and clubs performing throughout the weekend.

-- The Financial Committee controls finances, payment of bills, and money collection. Individual marathon winners are determined by the committee.

-- The Marketing Committee solicits marathon donations. The committee contacts donators for necessary supplies.

-- The Morale Committee physically and psychologically supports the dancers. Ten teams operate throughout the marathon to encourage couples.

-- The Physical Plant Committee maintains White Building during the event. This committee is the "backbone of the marathon," Ferrara said.

-- The Public Relations Committee acts as the "mouth of the marathon," Ferrara said. Members promote public awareness and contact television, radio and newspaper media.

-- The Reception Committee was responsible for the Kickoff Dinner with guest speaker Kaye Lani Rae Rafko, Miss America 1988.

-- The Rules and Regulations Committee designed the marathon rulebook and is responsible for dancer registration.

-- The Social Committee solicits food and beverages. The committee is responsible for feeding the dancers.

-- The Subcommittee deals with internal coordination of the marathon. The committee motivates and improves marathon committee communications.

Ferrara said will be at the dance the entire weekend.

"I'm going to hang out and enjoy myself," he said, adding, "I'll watch everybody on my committees go crazy."