KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee will host the 10th annual Dance Marathon at Stokely Athletic Center from 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, to 8 p.m. Sat., Feb. 7.
The event is organized each year by UT students to raise much-needed funds for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital’s Hematology/Oncology program. Last year the event raised more than $111,000 and the organizers hope to bring in even more money this year.
This year’s event is in memory of eight-year-old Eric Rainey. Eric passed away on April 10, 2003, after a 17-month battle with cancer. He was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer located on his prostate, in November 2001. There are only 200 to 230 cases of rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
Students will participate in various events and dances for the entire 24 hours. The featured entertainment will be the Mikel Grubb Band, One Lane Bridge, Craig Karges, Matt ‘n’ Erick, and 11:59.
To raise money for the event, some students solicited money from their friends and family while others collected donations at UT basketball games and area grocery stores.
Donations may be made at the door and visitors are welcome at any time during the event.