(CBS/AP) People all over the country are in need of shelter and food. The Center for the Homeless in South Bend, Ind., provides these essentials for over 200 people a day.

For 20 years the Center has worked to help those in need and for 15 of those years talk show host and Notre Dame graduate Regis Philbin has worked with it.

"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,"Philbin told WSBT-TV.

This past Saturday, Philbin helped kick off a 24-hour dance-a-thon at Indiana University-South Bend to help raise awareness and support for the center.

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

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Photos: Celebrity Circuit

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Dancers were sponsored per hour for a 24 hour period to raise money.

Many of those dancing were simply there to help fundraise, but others had an even more special reason to participate. Several dancers were once housed by the Center and were eager to share their stories with others.

"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.

Several local bands played for the event.

Supplies for the event were donated, leaving all the proceeds to go directly to the Center for the Homeless.

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