Organizers hope to raise $2M in 24-hour dance marathon

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - Organizers are hoping to raise $2 million for children diagnosed with cancer through a 24-hour dance marathon at the University of Iowa.

The annual event that's been held for over 20 years has raised more than $14.5 million for children being treated at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital.

More than $1.8 million was raised last year to provide support for children and their families, such as funds to pay for gas, food and medication costs.

The Iowa City Press-Citizen (http://icp-c.com/1znsMxe ) reports the marathon will start 7 p.m. Friday.

Entertainment and motivational speeches are scheduled throughout the event to help keep people on their feet. University alumnus Brooks Wheelan is set to take the stage at 4:30 a.m. Saturday. He is a former cast member of "Saturday Night Live."

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Information from: Iowa City Press-Citizen, http://www.press-citizen.com/