Although dance marathons have been going on since the Jazz Age of the Roaring ‘20s, this year marks the first time West Side is hosting one of its own. The West Lafayette Dance Marathon will take place throughout the high school, in the gyms and commons area, on March 31st from four to ten p.m. The goal is to stay standing for the entire six hours. Several activities will be going on during the event so that there will be things to do for people who do and don’t like to dance.

Last summer, Junior Cailey Daluga originally got the idea to have a dance marathon at West Side from her brother, who is in charge of the mini marathons happening at Purdue. She thought it would be a great thing to do here too, and that’s when the planning began. “It’s been stressful, but when you do the events you realize the impact you’re having and see how much people care,” said Cailey.

The executive board of West Lafayette Dance Marathon consists of Cailey Daluga, Katie Sigurdson, Amber Harriger, Katie Bittner, and Chase Lewark, who are in charge of fundraising before the marathon, as well as at the event itself. Some events being organized for the event include a dodge ball tournament, speeches given by children who have undergone treatment at Riley Hospital talking about their experience, and a dance lesson taught by members of the club.

In order to raise money during the months prior to the actual dance marathon, members of the club have done things such as Christmas caroling in the neighborhoods of University Farms and Barberry Heights, canning at Wal-mart, organizing a Rat Trap dance, and running the “Miracle Minute” during which they went through the stands at a basketball game for a minute collecting as many donations as possible. “It’s good to do something around the community that profits families here,” said sophomore Meghan Moody. So far, $3,000 has been raised, not including the money not yet accounted for. Organizers hope to raise much more at the big event. All donations and money raised will go to Riley Children’s Hospital.

For those interested in attending the West Lafayette Dance Marathon, registration forms are available outside the high school office until March 9th. A ticket to the event costs $10 dollars. An addition of a bag and t-shirt is $10 more.