UW-Madison students are organizing an 18-hour dance marathon to raise money for pediatric AIDS charities. The event will run Dec. 7 to Dec. 8 at Memorial Union. Former \Real World"" housemate and host of MTV's ""The Grind"" Eric Nies will host.
According to Dance Marathon Co-chair Jacqui Howard, organizers have planned a variety of activities for participants that include live band performances, national celebrity appearances, contests and a silent auction. The marathon will also feature different music and dance styles such as techno, line dancing and ballroom dancing.
Children and families affected by AIDS will also appear at the marathon to tell their stories and thank participants.
""This is something students can do to directly affect children's lives for the better,"" said Carolyn Helling, the marathon's public relations chair. ""Volunteering is a fabulous way to get involved and feel you really make a difference.""
Many students working on the marathon believe it's a great way to bring together students and the Madison community.
""There aren't a lot of AIDS-related activities in the community. It pulls in people when we talk about kids,"" said Lauren Evans, a marathon volunteer and member of the UW-Madison organization Students for Camp Heartland.
The marathon may connect the campus community as well.
""There's a lot of campus diversity, but there's no mingling either,"" said Kara Chitwood, a member of the Students for Camp Heartland. ""This brings lots of students together.""
Organizers also think students should become involved because AIDS is an important issue. According to the December 2000 UNAIDS report on HIV/AIDS, more than 1,600 children are infected with HIV every day. In 2000 alone, the report found that 600,000 children were infected.
""AIDS is an increasing problem in society,"" said Brooke Nunn, co-chair of the marathon. ""It's a problem that touches everyone in some way. We want to help the community become more educated and stop stereotypes and myths.""
Proceeds will be donated to Camp Heartland and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation charities. Camp Heartland helps children with pediatric AIDS by raising HIV/AIDS awareness and working with communities. The organization also runs a free summer camp for children affected by AIDS.
The other charity, the EGPAF, focuses on funding pediatric AIDS research. It wants to find ways to prevent AIDS and treat children affected by it.
Both charities are connected to UW-Madison. Alumnae Elizabeth Glaser and Susie Zeegan founded EGPAF and graduate Neil Willenson founded Camp Heartland when he attended UW-Madison. Camp Heartland also has its own student organization on campus.
""[UW-Madison] has the most ties to these organizations, but we haven't done anything yet,"" said Lizzy Glaser, a student organizer. ""We're one of the only schools in the Big 10 not to have a dance marathon.""
Students would like to raise $100,000 for the groups. According to planners, past dance marathons at other colleges have been successful. Other schools have raised thousands of dollars. A notable contributor is Penn State, which made over $3.6 million.
Currently, organizers are looking for dancers and volunteers for the marathon. Dancers pay a $10 registration fee and must raise pledges of at least $170. Students who want to volunteer or dance should send an e-mail to dancemarathon01@hotmail.com for registration information.
