Dance marathon still in vogue as UNC fundraiser

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — More than a thousand North Carolina college students aim to dance around the clock to help a hospital.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill holds its largest student-led fundraiser when the annual dance marathon kicks off Friday night. The event has raised more than $2 million since the first was held 12 years ago.

About 1,600 students will try to stay awake and on their feet for 24 hours to raise money for the North Carolina Children’s Hospital.

Money raised by the students helps patients and families pay medical costs not covered by insurance or Medicaid. That includes phone cards to help families stay informed about a child’s treatment, parking and meal vouchers, and holiday dinners for families who can’t afford them.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)