Mississippi State University’s  Dance Marathon sponsored by the Miracle Network will host its second annual event from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Feb. 3. at the Colvard Student Union.  
The Dance Marathon supports the Children’s Miracle Network and the money raised will be donated to Le Bohneur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. 
Celine Brazeal, president of STATEDM at Mississippi State University, said she wanted to attend a school that had this organization. 
“I had the program at my high school, I am actually from Indiana, and I wanted to attend a college that held Dance Marathons,” Brazeal said. “Last year was the first year and a couple of friends and I contacted headquarters and said we wanted to start a dance marathon here.” 
The dance marathon is a seven-hour event, and participants learn part of a line dance, play fun games, receive t-shirts and participate in other various fundraisers. 
 
Miracle kids from Le Bonheur, along with their families will also attend and share their stories, participate in a freestyle dance as well as create artwork that will later be auctioned off. 
There is a $20 registration fee, which pays for dinner, a T-shirt, and the night itself. Dancers are encouraged to not only participate in this event but fundraise as well. 
When a person registers to dance, an email is automatically sent to him or her containing the information for his or her donor page. This page can be personalized like a social media page. The link can be sent out via email or posted on social media and is one of the biggest ways to fundraise. Those who want to donate can pay with a credit card via the donation page or they can send cash or a check. 
The goal this year is to raise $50,000 for Le Bonheur. Last year over $35,000 was raised, making MSU the university to raise the second highest first-year donations. 
Brazeal said finding out how much money raised is always exciting. 
“We fundraise all year long, people donate personally, plus all of the events we host throughout the year,” Brazeal said. “We use big posters to mark how much money we raise, and at midnight at the marathon, we ripple effect our total. No one knows how much money we raise until the last hour.” 
Abbey Hugeley, vice president of Mississippi State University’s STATEDM, said the marathon is an incredible experience. 
“It is a really fun experience that you really cannot fully understand until you go,” Hugeley said. “It is wonderful, and last year, when I went, it honestly, completely changed my life.” 
Brazeal said the best part of STATEDM is the connection it has with the Children’s Miracle Network. 
“The direct cause and the direct impact that you make is the best,” Brazeal said. “When you donate to something, you do not always know where the money goes. Five families come and speak, so you get to see exactly what you are paying for, which I think makes people want to donate even more.”
Registration is still open. The check-in time for those who register to participate is 4 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Student Union. Donations can continue to be made until 6 p.m. Feb. 11.