Sylvania Southview dance marathon grows
4/9/2008The event is called "Dance for a Chance."
But the name is a little misleading because it omits numerous activities which Sylvania Southview High School students will take part in Saturday during their fifth annual project to raise money for charities involved with children.
There are adaptations of television game shows such as Family Feud, water-balloon tosses, and even a competition in speed text messaging.
"There's something for everyone," junior Louisa Lundgren said, explaining that the fun is in the "goofy stuff."
This year's charity recipient will be the Children's Abuse Center, an arm of the Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center.
Wendy Shaheen, director of the agency, said she hopes to be able to buy a new pediatric medical examination table.
Ms. Shaheen said she is thrilled that kids are thinking of children who may lead different lives.
"It also brings attention to a serious topic,'' she added.
Steve Swaggerty, a Southview teacher and event adviser, said it shows empathy for others.
He said the event was originally modeled after dance marathons, but has grown.
New competitions have regularly been added to keep the 12-hour event challenging and fun.
Neil Weinberg, a senior, said students "want this year to be bigger than last. The goal is to make each year better than the last one."
About 200 students participated last year and raised $15,000, according to Mr. Swaggerty.
Said Afua Nantwi: "It's incredible. I think it's the best event of the year," she said. The senior is a captain of one of the teams and has been involved in "Dance for a Chance" each of her four years at Southview.
Adam Finch, also a senior and a team captain, said that all of the students who participate are expected to solicit donations from family, friends, and others in the community in exchange for their promise to stay on their feet for the full 12 hours of the event.
Andy Anderson, another senior and captain, said the event "gives us a time where we can really come together and meet more people and new people."