Marathon raises over $70, 000 for AIDS

Community service may consist of building a house, serving foodto the homeless or donating goods such as clothes and toys to thosein need.

Serving the community is not usually defined as dancing at anall-night party.

This weekend, however, several SMU students gave of their timeand energy to help in the race toward a cure for pediatric HIV andAIDS at just such a dance party — Mustang Marathon.

The event began at 6 p.m. Friday, and raised $40,880.44 in funds(bumped to $41,232 with last-minute donations) and $30,198.77through donations such as food and entertainment.

Overall, the Marathon raised a total of $71,431.21 compared tothe $90,000 raised in the past two years.

All of the money collected was donated to two beneficiaries,Bryan’s House and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDSFoundation.

For 28 straight hours, ending at 10 p.m. Saturday night, dancersbopped and boogied toward a worthy cause.

Though most college students are not accustomed to the suggestedeight to 10 hours of sleep per night, staying awake for half aweekend can make one realize the value of sleep.

“Though staying up all night was a bit of achallenge,” first-year chemistry major Austin Follett said.”I see Mustang Marathon as a bunch of people dedicated to agood cause.”

Follett represented new community service organization SPARC(the highest non-greek organization fundraiser, pulling in$1,050.30) and enjoyed the numerous entertainment opportunitiesprovided at the Marathon.

“My favorite part was the bands,” he said.

The musical acts, which included bands Poison Cherry,Monkeyshine and Crowd of Stars, were a favorite.

“My favorite part was getting cozy withMonkeyshine,” said Gamma Phi Beta representative ChristineBreen , who attributed the ability to stay awake for such anextensive period of time to the enthusiasm and liveliness of theparticipants.

“Everyone seems to be sharing energy,” she said.

At the end of the marathon, awards for the most spirited dancerswere presented to Jessica Ortiz, Ashley Moss, Brooks Thomas andMike Jordhoy.

“My favorite part was the relay races and the linedances,” Jordhoy said.

Jordhoy, who was representing the business fraternity DeltaSigma Pi, also enjoyed the feeling of unity that was felt at theMarathon.

“This is such a big event, and it’s a uniqueopportunity for a large city like Dallas to come together once ayear,” he said.

Director of Student Activities Arlene Manthey was impressed byhow well the students worked together.

“It’s amazing to see such a diverse community gettogether for a wonderful cause,” she said.

“There are so many events that occur at SMU,”Manthey continued, “but the ability to give back to those inneed, be it through line dancing, soup kitchens or communityservice, will be with these students forever.

“Everyone is here for the right reasons.”

Though non-greek organizations were well represented, sororityKappa Alpha Theta took the cake, raising $2,479.

Pi Kappa Alpha was the Marathon’s highest fraternityfundraiser, bringing in a total of $2,093.

Chi Omega representative Shay Fluharty was applauded for herindividual efforts, as she alone collected $1,130.

Student Body President Thomas Kincaid was recognized along withAlpha Chi Omega representative Ann Truong as the only three-timedancers in attendance.

“This is a great opportunity to get to know and spend timewith lots of different students,” Kincaid said of MustangMarathon. “Those who stuck with it for all 28 hours had agreat time.”

As the only faculty/staff dancer to participate for the full 28hours, Director of Leadership and Community Involvement Dr. CarolClyde was also acknowledged for her dedication to MustangMarathon.

Sophomore voice and music education double major Kellan Hickmansaw the event as a special blend of fun and service.

“This is a great opportunity to not only show us what weare blessed with,” he said, “but also to aide thoseless fortunate than us.”

Hickman, representing Sigma Phi Epsilon, felt that the dance wasa success that is not frequent enough on this campus.

“Events like Mustang Marathon need to happen moreoften,” he said.

In addition to providing a brighter future for children in need,participants also enjoyed such activities as casino tables, amechanical bull, line dances, and an overnight game of humanfoosball.

Entertainment chair Dale Vaughn saw the amusement as a crucialpart of the dance.

“Although some key personalities dropped at the lastminute,” he explained, “we’ve still worked hardto provide some great entertainment.

“Right now, the people here are still having a greattime,” Vaughn said near the end of the Marathon.

Participants enjoyed a mid-morning treat when a handful ofchildren from Bryan’s House arrived at the Marathon,providing energy and a first-hand glimpse of the youngsters to whomthe money was donated.

“I think playing with the kids from Bryan’s Househelped the dancers to realize that they’re all doing this fora terrific cause,” Vaughn said.

Wings from Plucker’s and smoothies courtesy of Jamba Juicehelped to maintain dancer morale throughout the event.

First-year biology and pre-med double-major Catherine Baranowskisaid, “[Mustang Marathon] is a great, energetic, and terrificway to bring the SMU community together and raise money.”

Unity, service and fun seemed to bounce off the walls of theDedman Center for Lifetime Sports until late Saturday night.

Marathon raises over $70, 000 for AIDS