For Immediate Release

April 20, 2006

Contact: Melanie McDonald, director of public relations, 574-284-4579

Dance Marathon Benefits Riley Hospital

NOTRE DAME, Ind.—From 6 p.m. Friday evening (April 21) until 6 a.m. Saturday morning, Saint Mary's, Notre Dame and Holy Cross College students will dance until they drop to raise money for Riley Hospital for Children. The event is sponsored by Saint Mary's College and will be held in the Angela Athletic Facility. Saint Mary's expects about 200 participants, and families from Riley Hospital will be visiting as well.
The Riley Dance Marathon program began in 1991 when Indiana University started a benefit for Ryan White, an Indianapolis child diagnosed with AIDS. As of 2001, 68 Dance Marathons have been organized at colleges and universities all over the country, including Purdue University, Butler University and Ball State University.
Riley’s Hospital for Children treats 160 admissions and 2,120 outpatients from St. Joseph County annually. Riley Hospital for Children is considered one of the best hospitals in the country for pediatric care. Their policy is to never turn a child away. Due to their generosity, $25 million is unaccounted for in their budget.
In addition to dancing, the 12 hours will be filled with crafts, music and inflatables.
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