When Kendra Jados graduated from Ohio State, she had never heard of BuckeyeThon. Four years later, Jados, vocalist for Karate Coyote, is scheduled to perform during the fundraiser.  
BuckeyeThon is an OSU student philanthropy event that raises money for Nationwide Children’s Hospital Hematology and Oncology Department. The 12-hour dance marathon that took place last February raised more than $450,000 for the cause, the most in the history of the event.
The dance marathon has been expanded to two, 12-hour shifts this year to incorporate increased student interest and participation. Karate Coyote is scheduled to play two sets during the event at the Ohio Union, midnight Friday and 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
The band has opened for Rogue Wave, Matt and Kim and other indie rockers, and has played at Columbus’s larger arenas like the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion, but BuckeyeThon is unlike shows Karate Coyote has played before.
“This is a little bit different because it’s for a different cause,” Eric Vescelius, who plays the guitar and synthesizer.
BuckeyeThon representatives contacted the Columbus natives and asked them to play at the dance marathon.  
“They approached us,” said drummer Ted Bigham. “They were really excited to have us play.”
For the players, BuckeyeThon is more personal than just any other gig.
“I think all of us have had someone touched by cancer,” Vescelius said. “Even if it isn’t our biggest show, it is a really big deal for us.”
New to the BuckeyeThon scene, Jados is excited to play at the event.
“This is really cool for all of us to learn about and be a part of,” she said.
With two spots during the event, Vescelius said Karate Coyote plans to play songs the crowd knows to get participants involved.
But for its shows at BuckeyeThon, the band plans to play its usual style using harmony and melodies.
Bigham said in addition to performing, the band will give away T-shirts, albums and other prizes during its sets.
Ryan Horn, guitarist and vocalist, said Karate Coyote is like a modern Fleetwood Mac.
“The idea is lots of harmony,” he said.
The band is aiming to embody BuckeyeThon’s motto, “For The Kids” with the performance.
“We know people affected by cancer, so this is a really big deal for us to help out in any way possible,” Bigham said.