Students in one area school district will have this Friday off, in part, because many of them will be dancing all night.

Thursday night at 9 p.m., kids from middle school on up will step out on the floor for the Eleventh Annual Northern Bedford Thon. Over the past decade, this small community has raised more than $260,000 to help area families.

Everybody was getting revved up at Thursday afternoon’s pre-thon assembly. Among those enjoying the performances was the Yingling Family, one of those adopted by thon.

Their two boys  have  a rare genetic disorder, Frederick’s ataxia, that progressively damages the brain, spinal cord, and heart. But they’re excited about being part of thon.

Their mother Jennifer says, “Since the diagnosis Brennan’s main goal has been to bring awareness, so for him this was another opportunity to tell other kids his age what’s going on and what it is and they both love to dance so it’s going to be a lot of fun for them.”

Money contributed by thon could also fund home improvements that will make it easier for the boys to get around.

This year, students have already raised $8,000. They can’t wait to get out on the floor to top that..

Lizzie Long says, “I remember in my sixth grade year, I  started to get tired through the night but I was determined to stay, to keep on my feet all night,  because people were going through worse than I was so I wanted to push myself even more so I could help them.”

This year thon organizers expect to be able to help at least four families dealing with serious medical issues.