If you are looking for an outlet to show off your newest dance moves or give back to the community, then the Augiethon is the perfect event for you to sign up for.

The Augiethon is a dance marathon with the mission of making a difference in the lives of kids and family members who benefit from the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). The event raises both money and awareness for CMN with 100 percent of the profits going towards these families.

“The actual day of the dance marathon is full of activities to keep people on their feet and give students a chance to interact with the miracle kids,” said Maddi Barness, a sophomore at Augustana University. “We start fundraising in September and continue fundraising through the last hour of the Big Event on April 27.”

Despite what Augiethon might make one think of, the entire event does not consist of only dancing. Last year, the Augiethon had everything from inflatables, food, competitions and games that involved the miracle kids. Participants even get the chance to hear miracle stories from the families, giving the event a personal feel, and an opportunity for everyone to see a direct impact as to where their money and donations are going.

“We also walk to the Sanford Children’s Castle with the kids to put into perspective just how close the Castle is to Augie and to see the impact we have. Some of the kids can even point out the room that they stayed in,” said Barness. “While at the Castle, we also learn more about what the CMN program does.”

One can sign up for the Augiethon at the registration page provided here. It is a free registration process. The event is scheduled for April 27, but the exact start and end times are yet to be decided.

“Since the Sanford Castle is here in Sioux Falls, we are hoping to broaden our audience to the Sioux Falls community,” said Barness. “We’re a smaller school, so we think that by inviting groups from the high schools in Sioux Falls we will be able to have an even larger impact.”

The Augiethon is one big celebration for all of the hard work that goes into raising money and awareness for CMN throughout the year.

“All of the miracle kids come with their families, and we get to hang out with them, play games, learn a dance and hear the parents tell their stories,” said Barness. “It’s amazing to hear what these families have gone through, but they’re all still so positive and grateful.”

At the beginning of the Augiethon, participants take a pledge to stand for the entire event, an idea that formed surrounding the notion that participants are standing for the kids who cannot.

“I am most excited to see all of the kids and reveal how much money we raised throughout the year,” said Barness. “It is really special to have all of the families there because everything we do all year is for them.”