Students Raise $268K for Children's National Medical Center

Area sick and injured children are about to get a major financial boost, thanks to the fundraising efforts—and dancing stamina—of thousands of students.

The third Terp Thon, a 12-hour dance marathon that took place at Cole Field House last Saturday, raised $268,027 for the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., organizers report.

, but the amount well surpasses the total raised in the event's first two years combined: $56,000 in 2010 and $140,000 in 2011.

The UMd. group has also broken records for first-, second- and third-year dance marathons benefiting the Children's Miracle Network, according to National Director Zac Johnson.

"Terp Thon is doing amazing things for the cause!" Johnson said.

When UMd. set the record two year's ago, it beat a mark that stood for 15 years, Johnson said. However, Auburn University broke the record again in February, raising almost $66,000. The University of Northern Iowa also passed UMd.'s first-year mark, raising $56,400, also in February.

 through a variety of fundraisers, ending with the finale of a 12-hour dance marathon. Those who donate at least $100 also pledge to remain on the dance floor for the full 12 hours.

UMd. is one of about 150 schools nationwide that participate in dance marathons benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network, according to the Dance Marathon website. CMN raises funds for children's hospitals across the country.

Learn more about the Terp Thon here, and about the CMN dance marathons here.