Students Can Still Sign Up to Boogie-Woogie at UNC's Dance Marathon

TO THE EDITOR:

You drank from the Well on the first day of classes. You cheered for the Tar Heels at our last home football game. You stormed Franklin Street on Halloween.

Now, it's time participate in the newest Carolina tradition -- the UNC Dance Marathon! With more than 1,500 students from 100 campus organizations raising more than $123,000 for the N.C. Children's Hospital last year, the UNC Dance Marathon has become a central event that succeeds in uniting this campus for a common cause ... "For the Kids."

"I left the Dance Marathon with aching feet, no energy, but an enthusiastic heart. It was probably the toughest 24 hours of my life, but getting to know the other dancers, the kids and their families makes you want to do it all over again. Without a doubt, dancing has been the highlight of my four years at UNC," said Jonathan Shaw, a dancer.

Sound exciting? Dancer applications for DM2003 are available until Friday. Interested students can visit http://www.uncmarathon.org to sign up for what promises to be one of your most memorable experiences at Carolina.

On Feb. 21, Fetzer Gym will be abuzz with anticipation as more than 600 UNC students prepare to begin an event like no other. For the next 24 hours, these dancers will be entertained by campus performance groups, local bands, guest speakers and families and children from the N.C. Children's Hospital. Dancing in the Dance Marathon is a truly unique and rewarding experience. As a dancer at the 2002 Dance Marathon, I can tell you that firsthand!

"Dancing" requires no expertise or rhythm, only a commitment to stand on your feet for 24 hours in support of the kids. DM2003 dancers will make a tangible difference in their lives by providing a $50 donation to the For the Kids Fund, secured through sponsorship during the months preceding the marathon.

The money raised before and during the February Dance Marathon is donated to the For the Kids Fund and is sent directly to families in need to pay for costs that insurance does not cover.

"The For the Kids Fund has saved houses from being repossessed, purchased Christmas presents for families overwhelmed with medical bills and met the needs of more than 325 North Carolina families in the last nine months alone," says Leia Kelly, overall coordinator of the 2003 Dance Marathon.

The marathon effort represents the incredible power of a united Carolina community: a community of thousands of students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni, neighborhood members and hospital personnel, a community of people who generously give both time and effort with a common goal.

UNC students of all walks of life can participate in the Dance Marathon. Athletes, members of the Greek community and more than a hundred student organizations all get involved in a variety of ways. Already this year, athletes representing a number of varsity teams raised more than $1,000 at fall football games. Volunteers also visit the pediatric playroom in the hospital, tour the new N.C. Children's Hospital and can attend the family social planned for Nov. 16. If you are interested in volunteering your time or helping in any way, please visit the Web site (http://www.uncmarathon.org) to learn more about the Dance Marathon or e-mail Leia Kelly at lmkelly@email.unc.edu

Dance Marathon members will be in the Pit and Quad to answer any questions you may have. Come for free food and enjoy the entertainment that will be just a taste of what the Dance Marathon will provide in February! Dancer application forms are available Online at http://www.

uncmarathon.org. Don't delay, because applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday.

Here's your chance to participate in Carolina's newest tradition. You'll be making a difference for UNC, for the community and, of course, "For the Kids." It was one of my most memorable Carolina experiences, and I encourage you to make it one of yours.

Jen Daum
Student Body President

The length rule was waived.