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Dance marathon to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy

Date 3/30/2000 12:00 AM | Topic: Features

The Luther chapter of Alpha Phi Omega (APO), a national co-ed service fraternity, will hold it's annual Dance Marathon on Saturday, April 1 in the Regents Center between noon and midnight as a fund-raiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, (MDA).



Each participant is asked to raise enough money to cover one minute of research, which is calculated by the MDA to be $50, through soliciting friends and family as sponsors. Besides funding research, the money will also go to local services and equipment.



Melissa Manning ('00), MDA Chair of APO, said this is an important organization to support because the funds go directly to area patients.



"I think its nice that the MDA pays for services for patients in Winneshiek County. It stays local instead of going to a nation-wide pool of money."



Besides getting funding from participants, APO will be asking local Decorah businesses for sponsorship as well.



KWLC, the Luther radio station, will supply DJ's during the day with a variety of theme hours including disco, swing, and country. Area band 6 Mile Grove will be performing from 8-11 p.m.



There will also be ongoing contests during the marathon, a twister tournament, and a hula hoop contest, with prizes including gift certificates to a number of restaurants in Rochester, and T-shirts. There will also be a competition for the student organization with the most participants and the most money raised.



Muscular dystrophy is a disease that affects the muscular and nervous system.



"It affects both young and old, many children need braces to walk at a very young age," said Manning. "The MDA helps people live on their own without government assistance and helps provide the therapy and treatment they need."



The Tonight Show performance on Friday, March 31, as well as the silent auction which occurred on Wednesday, March 29, also benefit the MDA.

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Peter Schletty
Features Editor

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