It starts today. If it is anything like last year, we can expect to see students dancing, free food and lots of emotion in the pit this week.

Every year the Dance Marathon committee members take on the daunting task of recruiting 1,600 dancers for the February marathon.

The UNC Dance Marathon is a year long fundraiser that raises money to benefit N.C. Children’s Hospital. This year they have planned several events, including the Battle of the Bands in December. This week students can sign up online or in the pit.

Everything culminates in a 24-hour dance marathon in February where hundreds of students pledge to stand for 24 hours to support the patients and families at N.C. Children’s Hospital. Over the past few years, they have not only been able to support the For The Kids fund, but have also been able to give out different grants at the hospital which have been able to support programs and divisions like Healthy Steps, Parents Night Out and the Center for Clinical Excellence.

You can follow the UNC Dance Marathon Blog or Twitter to keep up with the fundraising efforts.