Samantha Weix, a senior at J. P. Taravella High School in Coral Springs, is not very fond of dancing. However, she happily danced the night away on Nov. 14.

“I was up on my feet all night; even lost my voice,” the Coral Springs resident said. “But it felt awesome. The thought that we were doing it to help kids who were sick and couldn’t dance made the whole night special.”

Weix was among those who helped Brian Zakarin, a fellow student, organize the first annual dance marathon at the school to benefit the Miami Children's Hospital. About 65 students from the school danced for 12 hours from 8 p.m. to raise money for the hospital that is part of the Children's Miracle Network. The event was organized through the key club at the school.

The night was not all about dancing though. Three-year old Shannon Walsh, who was born without an esophagus, came to the event with her father who spoke about how the hospital helped correct the congenital condition. Brittany Lundi and Christina Bukata, who were also treated at the hospital, also talked about their experiences.

Students had to donate $50 to attend the event, Zakarin said. “We were hoping to raise $5,000; we ended up with $4624.23. I got the idea for the event when my sister told me about the dance marathon they have at FIU. I then contacted the hospital and told them about our plan. Local businesses helped us too.”