Flying colors
Participants must be praised for enduring painstaking philanthropy

Every part of their feet -- muscles, tendons and bones -- ached like they never had before. The pain flew up their legs to their calves, thighs and hips. Their lower backs throbbed with every step they took. Their eyes, blood shot and half-closed, struggled to stay open.

Delirious dancers. Exhausted dancers. Falling down and crying dancers. After the sweat had dried, the baby powder had blown away, and the money had been counted, children with cancer benefitted from the weekend's draining experience. The 1995 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon came to a close once again, boasting $1,169,697.55 to help the University's Hershey Medical Center Four Diamonds Fund.

Stacy Bingler, the overall chairwoman of the largest student-run philanthropy in the nation, said, "You can't buy dreams, but you can make them a reality by giving your love..."

During the tedious 48-hour marathon, everyone involved focused on keeping the dancers on their feet and getting them through the event. But the dancers weren't the only students involved in the marathon. Students active in dance marathon committees that are sometimes overlooked amid the dizzying excitement must also be commended for their involvement. The philanthropy would not be such a success without the efforts of committees such as morale, security, public relations, physical plant, finance and others.

The spirit and triumph of this year's marathon can be attributed to the enthusiasm of student groups who participated, the innovation and preparation of marathon organizers and the student body's unified concern for others. Those who witnessed the final touching moments of the marathon should remember to extend that emotional and charitable spirit throughout the year.