Blue-shirted Family Relations committee members move throughout the IMU. Carrying distended fanny packs filled with stickers, toys, and candy, they show excitement and enthusiasm throughout the event.

But this year, their outfits serve not only to excite and motivate other dancers: The yellow bandannas that adorn every member’s forehead read “Alex’s Lemonade Stand.”

In 2000, Alex Scott, then 4, decided to raise money to help find a cure for cancer.  As a cancer patient herself, she set a lofty goal — $1 million.

To achieve her goal, she hoped people around the country would hold lemonade stands of their own, and send in their money to help the cause.

Although Scott passed away in late 2004, the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation continues to pursue her dream.

This year, Family Relations Chair Lindsay Bornhoft was responsible for purchasing bandanas and wristbands for the UI’s Dance Marathon Family Relations Committee. After discovering Alex’s Lemonade Stand on the Internet, she decided to support it. She purchased “Alex’s Lemonade Stand” bandannas, utilizing funds donated by committee members.

“DM is growing; it’s getting so big and I think it’s important for us to find other facets to support too,” she said.