Saint Mary's College Dance Marathon club will host a benefit concert titled "Rock Out for Riley" Thursday night at 7 p.m. in Haggar Parlor to raise money for Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis.
Vice president of Dance Marathon Kate Kellogg said she has been looking forward to "Rock Out for Riley" since the beginning of the school year.
"It's an event we wanted to have first semester to really kick-off Dance Marathon and get the student body involved and excited for the marathon in the spring," Kellogg said. "The concert allows the campus to come together and for students to get a break from classes and school work while also creating more awareness on campus for the marathon."
Tickets are $5 at the door with all proceeds benefiting Riley Children's Hospital. Notre Dame alumnus Pat McKillen, who recently released an album on iTunes, and Trent Romens, brother of Saint Mary's senior Taylor Romens, will perform at the event.
Fundraising executive Alex Munsey, who planned and organized the event, said the concert supports a good cause.
"It's a way to bring students together to enjoy good music for an even better cause," Munsey said. "It encourages the campus to come together and have fun in support of charity ... Having events throughout the year helps students understand that Dance Marathon is a year-long fundraiser."
In addition to entertainment from Romens and McKillen, there will also be door prizes as well as Dance Marathon trivia questions in between sets. Popcorn, candy, hot chocolate and apple cider will be sold for $1 with all proceeds benefiting Riley Children's Hospital.
Students will also be able to text donations all day Thursday by texting "Riley" to 90999, which automatically donates $5 directly to Dance Marathon.
Kellogg said any small donation will make a big difference for patients in Riley Children's Hospital.
"We want students to understand that Dance Marathon is not just one big event in the spring," Kellogg said. "We raise money year long and we are doing it for the kids - any child receiving treatment at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis. Any little bit helps."
