Students will dance the night away and participate in sports tournaments tonight at the Huston Huffman Center to help raise money for a children’s charity.

With the motto “make miracles happen,” the 13th annual Dance Marathon raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network, which supports local children’s hospitals. The event is sponsored by the Campus Activities Council.

Last year, about 650 students attended the Dance Marathon, said Laura Bock, zoology junior and chairwoman of this year’s Dance Marathon. The event raised about $32,000.

This time, organizers are expecting a much bigger event, Bock said. Nine hundred people have registered already, and CAC’s goal is to raise $50,000.

“All the money raised stays in Oklahoma and goes toward direct family support [and] research,” Bock said. “It helps keep Oklahoma hospitals at a high level.”

Dance moves won’t be the only activity gracing the center. Students can register to be in men’s and women’s three-on-three basketball and four-on-four volleyball tournaments held at 5:30 p.m. today. Dancing takes place 6 p.m. to midnight.

Also in attendance will be a disc jockey and local Norman rapper, High Tops.

This year, a children’s carnival will take place during the Dance Marathon from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Huston Huffman Center, and several student organizations will set up booths.

CAC will announce the total amount raised at midnight Feb. 12.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
5:30 p.m. — men and women’s basketball and volleyball tournaments
6 p.m. to midnight — Dance Marathon
6 to 8 p.m. — children’s carnival
midnight — CAC announces amount raised