When students see the fliers for “Akins-THON” around campus, many show a puzzled expression and have no idea what it means.

A “thon” is actually a dance marathon that will be hosted on April 12 in the cafeteria sponsored by the Akins Key Club chapter. The event is part of a nationwide movement benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and the Akins event will benefit Dell Children’s Hospital.

The fundraiser event will feature dancing, fun activities and performances from several Akins dance groups like Ballet Folklorico and the Dare-to-Dream hip-hop dance group. Freshman Gabby Oliva, one of Key Club’s members said the goal of the Akins thon is to raise $10,000.

“I was lucky enough to be among the first people to hear about it because I was in Key Club and they got to show these videos and it was a cross connection for me,” she said. “It was just something I’m really passionate about helping people, and it was something that seemed like a lot of fun and a great way to reach out.”

Because the event is a fundraiser, students who volunteer to dance in the event pledge to raise $150 each.

Junior Nikki Guardiola said that the dance organizers hope that participants will raise money by promoting links to donation websites to their friends and family. Volunteers can also raise money by helping with the limbo activities in the cafeteria during lunch and selling items.

Event tickets and entry fees for various fun games and activities at the dance will contribute toward meeting this goal. The event will start at 4:30 p.m. and end around 10:30 p.m., making the thon about 6 hours long.

Oliva said Key Club members are still working on setting the final details of the event, and she invited more Akins students to get involved to help out.

“It can be a lot of work at times,” she said. “It’s so much fun and a there are so many great people that you get to meet and it’s a great opportunity especially if you’re going to (college). It looks good on applications

Besides dancing, Oliva said there will be plenty of activities and mini-fundraisers.

While it is difficult for organizers to know how many will show up for a first-time event, they are doing lots of promotional things to spread the word about the dance marathon. For example, Key Club is hosting mini-events during lunch such as limbo games in the courtyard.

Oliva said she is hopeful that Key Club will be successful in collecting money for Dell Children’s Hospital.

“Honestly, I just really hope that we can again collect as much money as we possibly can and just spread the word get the word out and make it bigger and hopefully do it again next year but better.”