The fifth annual Mustang Marathon is a 24-hour dance marathon benefiting infants and children affected by HIV/AIDS.

Last year, more than 600,000 children acquired the disease. Throughout the world, more than 8,000 people die from AIDS every day.

Mustang Marathon is the largest student-run philanthropy event at SMU and will take place at the SMU Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports from 6 p.m. on Feb. 24 through 6 p.m. on Feb. 25.

The 24-hour fundraiser is more than just dancing. There will be music, food from local restaurants, various tournaments, hip-hop and salsa lessons, a comic show and a giant slide.

“Mustang Marathon has been a great way for me to serve my community and be apart of something big, but also reach my immediate community with my fellow SMU students,” said Rachel Rossi, entertainment director and member of the steering committee. “I feel honored to have been a part of the growth of Mustang Marathon on this campus.”

SMU students and faculty members can participate in various ways. Student organizations, residence halls or groups of 10 friends can get together to form a “Dancer family.” Members of the “family” pledge to raise money prior to Mustang Marathon and to stay up for the entire 24 hours of the event. Another way to get involved is to be a moraler – a student or faculty member who works to keep dancers awake and excited.

Half of the profits raised by Mustang Marathon is donated to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and the other half is donated to Bryan’s House.

Dallas’ own Bryan’s House is the only local special care facility for children and teens with HIV/AIDS. Open 24 hours a day and seven days a week, Bryan’s House offers medically managed child care, support and educational and psychosocial services.

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation provides treatment for those affected by HIV/AIDS and works to find new treatments for life-threatening pediatric illnesses.