On Saturday, March 4, a sea of orange converged on Maucker Union as UNI Dance Marathon hosted their sixth annual “Big Event.”

Over 1,000 dancers took to Maucker Union’s main floor for 12 straight hours on Saturday, from noon to midnight.

Throughout these 12 hours, dancers were to remain standing and weren’t allowed to consume any caffeine as a way to reflect the fight that the “miracle kiddos” are forced to wage every day.

The event marked the culmination of the past year’s worth of fundraising initiatives. The student-run organization raises money for the Children’s Miracle Netowrk and the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

According to the UNI Dance Marathon website, all the money that the organization raises is allocated towards four main areas that benefit families with children facing life-threatening illnesses. These four areas are: research, education, equipment and enhancements.

By the end of Saturday’s event, it was revealed that $453,278.06 was raised this year, well over the organization’s initial goal of $400,000.