UMaine dance marathon, fundraiser to be held Feb. 10

The University of Maine’s Black BearTHON, a 12-hour dance marathon and fundraiser, will be held from 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 to 1 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 11 in the Memorial Union.

Since 2012, the annual event has raised more than $320,000 to help area hospitals support local children. The event, which in 2015 became the largest community fundraiser on campus, raised $46,062.18 last year. The funds support the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, an EMHS Foundation Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

More than 450 participants currently are registered and fundraising for the event. This year’s goal is to for each dancer to raise $152, a dollar for every year UMaine has been a university, according to event organizers. As of Jan. 30, participants had collected more than $10,500.

Community members are invited to attend the “Madagascar” movie-theme event. A $10 donation per person is suggested. Additional theme hours will be held throughout the evening, including Arctic Adventure, We’re Going on a Safari, Rainforest Rampage, DreamWorks Pajama Party, Going Mad for Candy, Luau Party and Glow Party.

More information, including how to donate and register, is on the event’s website and Facebook page. The event also can be followed on Instagram @BlackBearTHON.