Out of about 175 local businesses solicited last semester, five participated in the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon's "Paint the Town for Thon" fundraising event yesterday.

Schalyn Hirtz, Thon corporate relations captain, expected seven businesses to donate a percentage of yesterday's profits to help fund Thon. Shenk's Sportswear, 111 S. Pugh St., although previously agreeing to participate in the brand new fundraising venture, was closed yesterday.

Hirtz also expected Kelly's Shoes, 126 E. College Ave., to donate $1 for every shoe sold for more than $50 yesterday, but the store did not. There was confusion over when the fundraising would take place.

"I was under the impression that it would be during the dance-a-thon," proprietor Sam Scheinberg said.

"Paint the Town for Thon" was conducted yesterday to encourage participation amongst businesses who would see an opportunity to increase sales during what is generally a slow day, Hirtz said.

"We wanted to take a day when businesses wouldn't have their best profits, so they'd be more willing to participate," she said. "I was hoping for more than we did get."

Hirtz called the event a "mutually beneficial relationship" between Thon and local businesses, and predicted that it would grow in future years.

"I think this year was a growing year," she said. "Hopefully other businesses will find out how great it was and they'll want to participate too."

Those participating, like Mike Negra, president of Mike's Movies, 210 E. Calder Way, and Mike's Music, 226 E. College Ave., were enthusiastic.

Negra called the fundraising event "an interesting way of going about a donation," and hoped to increase traffic to his stores by participating.

"The committee is to be commended for coming up with a fundraising idea like this," he said.

Negra has contributed services such as sound equipment and music to Thon for about 15 years, but yesterday was the first time he helped fund it, he said.

While many businesses lend their services to Thon each year, few of those businesses were able to participate in fundraising yesterday.

"It seems that when we asked businesses, it was easier for them to give products than a percentage of profits," Hirtz said.