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Dance Marathon (DM) is a student-led, non-profit organization that strives to improve the lives and raise money for children battling cancer of all stages and types. All of the money raised goes directly to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital in Iowa City and is used to purchase new medical equipment, fund treatment, support families financially during their long stays at the hospital, and provide kids with daily entertainment while in the hospital receiving treatment.
Norwalk High School’s Dance Marathon (DM) has a strong and rich tradition involving over 100 students each year. NHS DM has been recognized by the University of Iowa DM as one of the top ‘mini’ DM fundraisers among both high school and colleges across the state. Because of this, they have been given the privilege of painting 15 pillow cases for past and current children who are battling cancer at the Stead Family Children's Hospital. These hand painted pillow cases were exhibited at the University of Iowa’s Big Event held in February of this year.
This year marks Norwalk High School's sixth year holding a Dance Marathon event. Over those years the local, student-led organization has raised $105,852.04. This goal this year is to raise $25,000! However this doesn’t just happen with a snap of the fingers. The effort to achieve this goal takes dedication and a donation of time, talent and treasures. This year’s DM Committee began their planning in June and fundraisers in August. Fundraising efforts will go all the way up to April 1 when they hold their big event.
The big event’s theme this year is “Let’s Dance for the Kids”. The three hour event is held at the high school and will feature games, food, music, speakers and of course, dancing! The event is open to all 9th -12th graders who would like to attend. True to traditional dance marathons, there is no sitting during the entire event. This symbolizes the long journey kids have toward remission and healing and shows solidarity with the kids who are still battling cancer. A ten dollar donation is recommended but not required to attend the big event on Saturday, April 1.
Dance Marathon has become a district-wide event for all schools to rally around. Oviatt, Orchard Hills and Lakewood all held events and together donated over $5,000 just this year. NHS Dance Marathon is grateful for the support from the entire Norwalk community, Norwalk Community School staff members, and the local businesses for their continued support. If you are interested in supporting Dance Marathon, you may Venmo using
@NHS-DanceMarathon. You can also stay up to date with all things that they are doing by following them on their social media pages. Instagram @norwalkdancemarathon or Twitter @norwalkdm
NHS DM Leadership Team
NHS Staff Sponsors - Michelle Wiedmann and Lisa Popken
President - Ruby Hoch, Sr.
Fundraising Committee - Laikyn Popken, So. Quinn Tice, So.
Business Committee - Will Chase, Sr. Ethan Franklin, Sr.
Entertainment Committee - Chloe Martin, Sr. Carolina Flores, So.
Dancer Involvement Committee - Audrey Adams, Jr.
News/Media/Design Committee - Juliana Warren, Sr. Ashlyn Brown, Jr.
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