Flash-A-Thon, an annual 12-hour dance marathon to raise money for Akron Children’s Hospital, will take place on April 12 from noon to midnight at the Kent State Student Recreation and Wellness Center.

“The whole event is dedicated to helping the kids, because that’s who it’s really about,” said Andy Lovrak, marketing chair of Flash-A-Thon’s executive board. “It is also nice to bring Kent State students together for a great cause.”

All proceeds from the event will be donated to Akron Children’s Hospital — with a fundraising goal of $20,000. The group asks that each dancer raise at least $50 prior to the event in addition to the $15 registration fee.

This year’s Flash-A-Thon features six themed hours, three live bands, food, therapy dogs, games, prizes and more.

“People should attend the event because it is going to be a blast. There is so much going on all day, and we know people are going to have a good time,” Lovrak said. “There are a lot of other colleges that have giant dance marathons, and we are trying to become one of those schools. We can’t do it without the support of Kent students though.”

Students can sign up as a dancer or a volunteer. Students can choose to join a team, create a team or register as an individual.

Alyssa Miklos, Flash-A-Thon executive board member, said, “Volunteers will be helping with the set-up and tear down process, the registration table and helping us make sure things run smoothly over the 12-hour period.”

Flash-A-Thon president Danielle Sainato said she does this for the kids.

“I do this so the kids know that they have people out there supporting them. I don’t want them to think they are fighting cancer alone,” Sainato said. “We are all in the fight with them; fighting for a cure and fighting for awareness. These kids have stolen the hearts of everyone at the Flash-A-Thon and we want to show them how we will always be there for them, through both the bad and good times.”

As of April 3, $4,820.34 has been raised for the event. Thirty teams have registered for the event with Phi Mu, one of Kent State’s sororities, in the fundraising lead with $1,010 raised so far.

Registration for the 2014 Flash-A-Thon is set to close Saturday, April 5 at 9:00 p.m.

The donation cutoff for the event is May 31 at 11:00 p.m.

To register as a dancer or a volunteer, visit http://www.helpmakemiracles.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=1606

Contact at Lindsay Miller at [email protected].