Dance marathon pulls in $50,500

Second annual ElonThon provides entertainment for participants

Sara Davis and Katelyn Selin / Reporters

There was one place still hopping 4 a.m. Sunday. No, not Wal-Mart. It was Elon’s own dance marathon.

The enthusiasm of more than 200 participants who had been on their feet for 16 hours echoed in Alumni Gym, where participants danced the night — then the day, then the night again — away in the second annual 24-hour ElonThon.

Throughout the 24 hours there were numerous diversions to keep the participants active. To reinforce the purpose of ElonThon, videos were shown of the kids from the Children’s Miracle Network, the benefactors of the $50,500 raised at this year’s event. This year, dancers exceeded last year’s total donations by $22,000. In addition to seeing children in the videos, participants had a chance to actually meet some of these children they were raising money for, who in turn provided encouragement for the hours ahead.

Other entertainment for the participants included a performance by Twisted Measure, a comedy act by Elvira, an appearance by artist Kyler England and a video message from President Leo Lambert.

At about 5 a.m. dancers got a chance to walk around the quad while chanting what seemed to be the motto of the event. “Who are we doing this for? The kids!” they screamed.

None of the 200 participants, mentioned regretting dedicating time to the cause.

“I’m glad I did ElonThon because I got to know more about Duke Children’s Hospital and meet some of the children that benefit from their services,” participant Carolyn Edwards said. “I also got to meet a lot of new people and make lasting memories.”