Dance Marathon looked to get a head start on their registration and fundraising with a kickoff event Wednesday. The popular community service organization spent much of the day recruiting students in Russell House to sign up for their annual event and start raising money early.
President of Dance Marathon Gabi Santos, a fifth-year public relations student, emphasized that opening day is a chance to start the year off strong.
"It's our first big registration push," she said. "We're hoping we get a good amount of people registered. It's our first fundraising push also."
Registrants could also use promotional codes throughout the day to get special opening day deals.
Last year Dance Marathon was able to register about 350 people on opening day, and they set a goal of meeting the 400 person mark this time around.
The opening day drive was also a chance for the students to learn more about Dance Marathon.
Third-year visual communications and marketing student Kaity Lynch, Dance Marathon's vice president of public relations, called the end of the year event for which they are famous "the best dance party of the year." But Lynch made clear that the core purpose of the organization is to raise funds and provide support for local children's hospitals.
"We are an organization that raises money for Palmetto Health Children's Hospital, which is our local Children's Miracle Network hospital," she said. "Throughout the year we have a bunch of different events and fundraising pushes. Then we celebrate at the end of the year with our main event ... It's basically just a giant celebration of what we've achieved throughout the year."
The group also held a percent night at Rita's Italian Ice to conclude their opening day celebration.
This year's main event is set for February 25, 2017, at the Strom Thurmond Fitness and Wellness Center. Those interested in participating can register up until a week before the event.