FTK, or For The Kids, has been a recurring theme as the third Flash-A-Thon starts at noon Saturday at the Kent State Recreation and Wellness Center. 

This yearly spring event is a 12-hour long dance marathon that gives Kent State students the opportunity to raise money that will benefit the hematology and oncology departments at Akron Children’s Hospital.

Andy Lovrak, the Flash-A-Thon president, said he has set many goals for this year including a $30,000 donation goal—$8,000 more than last year.

The dance marathon will host an array of events throughout the 12-hour time period including themed hours, dodgeball and kickball tournaments and donated food from Hungry Howie’s and Chipotle. There will also be families who benefit from the money raised by participants, Lovrak said.

After spending a year planning this event, Lovrak said he is looking forward to seeing it all come together in one day.

“Hopefully we will reach our goal and watching the kids have a good time,” Lovrak said. “I know we’ve gotten a lot more participation than in the past so I hope they enjoy the event and come back in future years.” 

Students can register until the day of the event and donations will be accepted until May 1. 

Contact Kate Schwanke at [email protected]. Contact Alexandra Valverde at [email protected].