Keep on dancin'

Everyone should experience spirit of dance marathon

Grueling? Definitely. Fun? Without a doubt. For a good cause? No question about it.

The 1998 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon is one of the University's proudest moments. Every year this event raises money for the Four Diamonds Fund at Hershey Medical Center to help children with cancer. Treatment is expensive and this fund helps families when more important things are on their minds.

"Although the dancers are the visible part of this event, there is much more going on behind the scenes."

Everyone involved in the logistics and execution of Thon has spent countless hours on this event that raised $1,528,425 last year.

To the children and their families, the time means precious life. Dancers, sponsors and all involved should be proud, for life is an invaluable gift to offer.

They deserve the University and community's praise.

Although the dancers are the visible part of this event, there is much more going on behind the scenes. One thousand gallons of water must be carried to the White Building. Eight tons of mashed potatoes must be prepared, as well as 800 hash browns and 600 subs.

This does not even count the community members involved in more than 20 committees including communications, entertainment and morale.

The event is more grandiose in its 26th year than when it began in 1973. Then, only 17 pairs of the 39 registered dancers finished dancing for 30 hours. They raised about $2,000 and the money was given to other charities. Last year, 270 couples finished the 48-hour event.

The people who helped construct and back this year's event may be tired. The dancers may be afraid of being tired.

But, the aid that these children and their families will receive through the Four Diamonds Fund will make the 48 grueling hours seem paltry.