USC dance marathon to raise funds for hospital

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Close to 500 students and 100 volunteers from the University of South Carolina are kicking up their heels all night long to raise money for the Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital in Columbia.

The 24-hour dance marathon begins at 7 p.m. Friday.

Students will do a line dance, take part in games and contests, and remain on their feet for the entire 24-hour period in order to symbolize the struggle kids face in a hospital environment.

USC senior Colleen White is organizing the marathon. She says the marathon wraps up with a silent auction and a reception. White says that since 1997, the marathon has raised $900,000 for the hospital and is the largest student-led philanthropic effort in the state.