Once upon a time in a far off gymnasium, they gathered in twos for the grand ball. It was snowing outside, and the wind had a horrible sting. But that did not bother these gallant men and women -- they were the few, the strong, the kind of heart. They choseth to give a piece of themselves to those who were losing a battle of the darkest odds. Now, once again, they cometh.

This weekend, for 48 hours they will wander the thoroughfares of Happy Valley by twos once again toward the White Building for the 1994 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. They will gather for this majestic ball as a way of striking their swords at the cancer destroying the souls of Four Diamonds Fund children.

Hundreds of knights and princes and princesses will gather for feasting and dancing and celebration -- they will celebrate life. Every one of them will wear their best for the extravaganza, from the softest of sweat pants to the most supportive of glass slippers.

The dancers will come from far and near -- 85 Greek letter organizations, 43 University-affiliated student groups and Commonwealth Campus couples will join as one. They will commence their celebration at the clock's strike of seven.

They will dance throughout the weekend, celebrating life and fighting to stop the evil cancerous cells that dwell in the depths of innocent children. Like the four diamonds of Courage, Honesty, Strength and Wisdom, these fine dancers will display their awesome power -- to the force of millions of dollars.

The marathon has brought the riches of more than $5 million since 1977 -- more than $1.3 million last year alone. Now, it is time for us all to celebrate this grand ball.

Let us all take the chance to show where our hearts lie. We can push the dancers onward. We can help them in their fight for the young ones. We can watch as the tokens of gold fall in their bucket of life.

Let us all grow this weekend. Let us grow in celebration of the lords and ladies who danceth for the children. Let us grow in celebration of the children.