Orono -
The Field House at the University of Maine Orono was filled with students showing there moves Saturday night.
They'll have a chance to show them all off, because they're going to be dancing all night long.
They're not just there for the party, they're here for the kids.
It's the 2nd Annual BearFest to benefit EMHS Foundation Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
"It's the largest student-driven fundraiser for pediatric health care in the entire state. 100% of the money will stay right here in the local area it will help benefit EMHS member hospitals, and it will buy pediatric pieces of equipment, and it will provide in some cases counseling training, in some cases just specialty medical equipment," said Josh Scroggins, director of the EMHS Foundation Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
They set a goal of $35, 000 and expect to surpass that. That may be due to the fact that they promised they would stand for 12 hours straight.
"They stand for those kids who can't. For the kids who are in the hospital right now. They're lying down in a hospital bed, they want to make sure that people know that they're out there standing for them, and doing what they can to help make sure these kids have a healthy, and happy, lifestyle," said Scroggins.
Activities are planned throughout the night, but the main focus is hitting the dance floor.
"Every hour we do a morale dance to keep all of the dancers and every body that fundraised to be here up and motivated," said Hillary Hoyt, a captain on the UMaine Dance Team.
The amount of money raised, the number of students dancing, and the length of time they're doing it, has organizers proud of the event.
"It just shows what a community UMaine really is. It's unfathomable really, how we can all come together, just college students. I mean, it's all college kids raising this money," said Patrick Hart, co-chair of BearFest.
College kids raising money for a cause very close to some of their hearts.
"Personally, I have family and friends who have gone through Children's Miracle Network, and they've been fantastic through the years, all the years that I've dealt with them, and it's just awesome to be able to give back right now," said Geena Lucas, co-chair of BearFest.
If you'd like more information just click on MiraclesInMaine.org.
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