Regis Philbin kicks off Center for the Homeless dance marathon

by Tristan Henry (thenry@wsbt.com)

Tools

Regis Philbin arrives at the Dance Marathon to benefit the Center for the Homeless in South Bend (WSBT Photo)

Regis Philbin arrives at the dance marathon to benefit the Center for the Homeless in South Bend on April 19, 2008. (WSBT Photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Apr 19, 2008 at 1:59 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 20, 2008 at 12:58 AM EST

SOUTH BEND — The Center for the Homeless in South Bend provides food and shelter to about 200 people a day. It's been in operation for 20 years and for 15 years Notre Dame graduate Regis Philbin has supported it.

Multimedia

Watch The Video

"As I recall it used to be Gilbert's Men's Store years and years ago. So I've been involved and watched it grow over the years and I'm proud to be a part of the whole, the whole growth," said Philbin.

Regis helped kick off a 24-hour dance-a-thon at IU-South Bend Saturday.

"I can't thank you enough for what you are doing today and for your enthusiasm," Philbin told the crowd.

The dancers agreed to stay on their feet for 24 hours straight with financial support from sponsors.

"I was once homeless and I know how it is to come from being homeless and actually having a place to stay, you know. So I love to dance and I like to support anything that's going on the community," said Michael Hawkins.

Many of the dancers are current or former guests of the center who are happy to share their success stories with anyone who walks through the door. Other dancers just want to help out with the fundraising and keep the adrenaline pumping.

"I'm already having fun can't you see? I'm sweating! You should be over there with them, ain't that right camera man? Get over there and pop a lock on them. I love you guys, I'm out!" laughed dancer and homeless center volunteer Van Cassan.

Several local bands are scheduled to play for the dancers from 6 p.m. to Midnight on Saturday.

Everything has been donated so all the proceeds will go directly to the Center for the Homeless.

More Good Stuff

WSBT Weather

Current Temp 64.3

More Weather

WSBT Weather

More Weather

On Demand

iPhone
Get the WSBT News and Irish Sports Report apps for your iPhone! Read more »
On DVD
Order a DVD of a WSBT news story! Read more »
Twitter
Follow us on Twitter! Read more »
Facebook
Connect with us on Facebook! Read more »
WSBT E-News
Daily StormTracker e-mails right to your Inbox! Read more »
Video On Demand
Miss a story on WSBT News? Watch it here! Read more »
CBS Shows
Watch CBS shows and news online, free! Read more »
WSBT Alert
Breaking News & Weather right to your cell phone! Read more »
Mobile
WSBT News on the go for your cell phone or PDA. Read more »
RSS Feeds
Get news and updates as soon as they're published. Read more »

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.