The annual Indiana University Dance Marathon kicked off on Halloween weekend to support the Indianapolis Riley’s Children’s Hospital. 

IUDM first started in 1991 when one student, Jill Stewart, was inspired to bring dance marathon to IU after her friend, Ryan White, died from AIDS.

Now, 31 years later, the event gathers around 4,000 students, and 1,200 committee members across 20 committees.

The 36-hour event commenced Friday night at the IU Tennis Center and ran till Sunday morning.

Participants stayed awake and on their feet the whole time, standing for a good cause.

Depending on how much money students raised, they could dance for either 12, 24 or 36 hours. Those raising the most were able to dance for the entire marathon.

During these hours, dancers engaged in a variety of activities and events, including a “Head Shave-a-thon,” the “Riley Stories,” and the “Riley Kids’ Talent Show.”

Some of this year’s talent included a singing performance, an Elvis impression, and a gymnastic routine.

But, the Riley children weren’t the only ones performing their best moves.

Dancers learned an intricate line dance that they showcased Sunday morning before the closing ceremony.

The dance was coordinated by the Morale Committee and taught participants different segments of choreography throughout the weekend.

This year’s theme was “Treat Kids with Kindness” and dancers went above and beyond to live out this motto.

This kindness was demonstrated through the involvement of participants during the marathon and all the countless hours leading up to it.

Dancers have spent months fundraising, but that didn’t stop once the weekend started.

Every time a dancer received over $100 in donations during the marathon, they were able to ring it in. The fundraising bell represents cancer patients ringing the hospital bell after they have beat the disease.

The Director of Morale on Executive Council, Macoy Riley, has rung the IUDM bell many times.

This was his seventh and final year participating, after starting as a sophomore in high school. Macoy said he wanted to continue his involvement once at IU and has been on the Morale Committee for 3 of his 4 years here.

Each committee consists of 70 people.

Macoy says he’s been working with his committee for nearly a year now planning, conducting meetings, fundraising, and keeping the enthusiasm alive.

“You know, it’s so much work behind the scenes, but it’s so worth it,” Macoy Riley said.

Charlotte Hagedorn on the Hospitality Committee also says how worthwhile the experience has been.

“This is one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences overall,” Charlotte Hagedorn said.

Another group, the Entertainment Committee, is responsible for helping plan fun activities and keeping spirits high through lots of music and dancing.

For one member on this committee, Michael Grueninger, this is his first time being a part of the event.

“It has been so much fun seeing all the people dance and just having a great time,” Michael Grueninger said.

During the closing ceremony, the Accounting Committee had a grand reveal of the total amount of money raised for the year.

This year exceeded the previous year’s total number, “ringing in” around 3 million dollars.

Money that will aid the almost 300,000 children taken to Riley’s every year.