This Wednesday, Trojan Dance Marathon will be hosting its annual event at the 901 Bar and Grill in an effort to support patients at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).

USC students can support Dance Marathon from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. by ordering specialty drinks such as the DMF (the '90s notorious AMF) and Dirty Dancers (aka Dirty Shirley’s).  A percentage of the proceeds from these drinks will to CHLA.

Though working with "the 9-0" is always fun, the main Dance Marathon event that Trojan DM is fundraising for is rapidly approaching. On March 1 in the Campus Center Ballroom, students will gather for 12 hours of dancing in support of this For The Kids movement. Those on the Dance Marathon Committee, such as Jessica Vidal the Greek Relations Coordinator, are working hard to spread the word.   

With two years experience with planning the event already under her belt, Vidal has high hopes to bring more people and more money to CHLA than ever before.  “Many students, campus organizations and the Greek community in particular have been very receptive, and we are so grateful for all their support,” she said.

This year, a new marketing strategy, as well as apparel and promotional designs, have helped increase awareness around campus. While continuing to table on Trousdale and distribute materials on campus, the organization is also recognizing student organizations and corporate sponsors on the back of their T-shirts.  Giveaways via Facebook will also help to promote the event, featuring prizes such as Starbucks gift cards and Lululemon pants.

Trojan DM is looking to raise about $96,000 for the hospital this year, $1 for every patient. To do so, the organization is hoping to register around 1,000 people for the event. Its current registration number is 527, with the biggest hike in registration usually occurring within the days right before the event. Trojan DM is well on its way to reach its goal, having already raised triple the amount of what was raised last year at this point in time.

Considering Trojan DM is so close to achieving this goal, it only seems right to fight on For the Kids by registering for the event here.