Across campuses nationwide, Dance Marathon is the largest student-run philanthropy event. From late Friday to midday Saturday, student participants enjoyed 18 hours of free food, celebrity hosts and dancing to both DJs and live music.

The event was packed with live entertainment provided by special guests Mike from MTV’s Real World New York, DJ Virgil, The Mullet Hunters and Tangled Up in the Blue.

The 2002 Dance Marathon, themed “Get Down Madtown, Help Fight Pediatric AIDS,” was sponsored by the University of Wisconsin Dance Marathon team. Each year, Dance Marathon raises money for the millions of children with HIV/AIDS.

According to dance organizers, more than 2,000 children worldwide are infected with HIV/AIDS each day. In the United States alone, approximately two young people (ages 13-25) are infected with HIV each hour.

The goal of Dance Marathon is to raise money for local organizations that conduct AIDS research and provide assistance for children affected by HIV/AIDS. This year, Dance Marathon raised money for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Camp Heartland and the UW Children’s Hospital.

Cory Erickson and Nick Bonneson, Entertainment co-chairs said they have never seen such enthusiastic dancers.

“We had a real good core of dancers who gave it their all [and their] best efforts to keep moving despite if they were tired,” Erickson said.

The Dance Marathon crew said a large number of brave students were eager to dance for the cause. Participants were responsible for recruiting their own sponsors to help them meet a $180 suggested pledge goal. Last year, dancers and corporate sponsors raised $24,000 for selected charitable organizations.

“I witnessed every style and genre of music being danced to tonight. I only hope all the smiles [on dancers’ faces] were genuine and that everyone had a good time,” Bonneson said.

Tanya Morgan believes it took a lot for the volunteer dancers to sign up, raise money and dance for 18 hours.

“It really says something about the dancers. The people that chose to make a difference made a statement by doing so,” she said.

Laura Biazzo, Dance Marathon grant chair, applauded the committed dancers.

“I was impressed with students’ dedication. Staying up for 18 hours to dance is an amazing thing. I have so much respect for the dancers and believe this year’s Dance Marathon was a success,” Biazzo said.