UPDATED: UI Dance Marathon breaks record for fundraising

IOWA CITY - After 24 hours of dancing, the more than 2,500 people taking part in this weekend's Dance Marathon at the University of Iowa learned last night they had raised a record $1,369,147.18.

The event, in its 18th year, has raised more than $9.8 million in years past for the University of Iowa Children's Hospital.

Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds was among those who stopped by Saturday morning to strut their stuff. She also delivered a proclamation on behalf of the governor's office.

“It's a great opportunity for us to just commend them on their efforts and just say thank you for all that the kids are doing, the students are doing, and to really commend them on their efforts in making a difference,” Reynolds said.

Julie and Mark Reiss, whose daughter Sarah battled brain cancer for 2 1/2 years before dying in September 2010, also took part in the event with Sarah's twin sisters.

“Sarah never companied she just did the best with the cards she was dealt with. She was an amazing girl,” her mother said.

Mark Reiss said the money that is raised at Dance Marathon helps ease families' worries.

“They provide computers, movies, games, parking vouchers. It's one less thing that the families don't have to think about,” he said.

The Reiss family now also holds a “Ride for the Kids” motorcycle event each year to raise money for the UI Children's Hospital. To date, more than $180,000 has been raised, and this year's ride is slated for Sept. 15 in Dubuque.

Families like the Reisses were on the minds of dancers like Kelly Poston, a 19-year-old UI Freshman.

“I think about the families and the kids pushing through, and that motivates me,” she said.

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