GET INVOLVED

K- 12 Dance Marathons

Dance Marathon is not just for college students. A Dance Marathon at a K-12 level can be anything from hosting a traditional Dance Marathon, to hosting a 5k walk or run, dedicating a sporting game to Lurie Children’s by canning in the stands and taking donations, bake sales, field days, coin wars, game nights, writing letters to family and friends, talent shows, and more! K-12 Dance Marathon programs consist of either the entire school body or a group of passionate students and a faculty member to advise. Groups can be students who share a common passion and manage a Dance Marathon standalone organization within the school, National Honors Society, Key Club or Student Council. Dance Marathon program provides the opportunity to not only start a legacy of improving our communities, but to improve student leadership, philanthropy, and to help give students a purpose. Your school has the chance to make an impactful and tangible difference. Lurie Children’s Foundation provides K-12 Dance Marathon programs with resources from recruitment to fundraising to event-day logistics and serves as your liaison to the hospital and patient families.

We are here to help YOU do whatever works best for your school to create a lasting impact on Lurie Children’s. If you are interested in starting a Dance Marathon at your school or looking to partner in anyway, please email Lurie Children’s Dance Marathon hospital advisor: [email protected].

“The Dance Marathon felt so good because we knew we were helping kids in need. Seeing the students, teachers, and community come together was so empowering.”

– Clare, Skokie/Washburne Dance Marathon

Collegiate Dance Marathons

Dance Marathon is a student driven year-round fundraising organization offering opportunities to create lifelong relationships and to develop leadership skills that benefit students for their future careers and onward. Students help by volunteering as committee members or dance marathon executive leaders. Additionally, each participant raises money through donation requests, sponsorships, and event participation to raise money for the children at Lurie Children’s. The dance marathon event including games, music, dancing, patient family stories and philanthropy is held as a celebration to signify the fundraising and awareness events throughout that Dance Marathon year. Dance Marathon is held year-round when school calendars permit. The main Dance Marathon event vary from 3–12 hours in length. By establishing a relationship with our Lurie Children’s Dance Marathon hospital advisor, we can work with each collegiate school to help grow a current Dance Marathon or help get one started at your campus. Lurie Children’s Foundation provides collegiate Dance Marathon programs with resources from recruitment to fundraising to event-day logistics and serves as your liaison to the hospital and patient families.

Join us in making a difference for the kiddos at Lurie Children’s. Interested in learning more or starting a Dance Marathon program on your campus? Email [email protected] today.

“Dance Marathon to me means helping be the change for families all around the world. Being a part of Dance Marathon has made me realize that even though I am not working in the medical field, I can still help cause change with research, for family's care, and so much more. Dance Marathon is the change that can help so many families and children's lives."

– Allen, Valparaiso University Dance Marathon