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Reworked Dance Marathon delivers

Organizers say changes made to the campus tradition — now in its 50th year — were a success
April 3, 2024 | By Stephen J. Lewis
dance marathon 2024
One of the nation’s largest entirely student-run philanthropies, Northwestern Dance Marathon has raised more than $20 million for almost 40 charitable organizations over its 50-year run. Photo by Justin Barbin
dance marathon 2024
One of the nation’s largest entirely student-run philanthropies, Northwestern Dance Marathon has raised more than $20 million for almost 40 charitable organizations over its 50-year run. Photo by Justin Barbin
dance marathon 2024
One of the nation’s largest entirely student-run philanthropies, Northwestern Dance Marathon has raised more than $20 million for almost 40 charitable organizations over its 50-year run. Photo by Josh Sukoff

Fifteen hours of dancing pays off.

The 50th anniversary of the Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM) brought in more than $342,000 in donations. The primary beneficiary of this year’s event, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana, will use the funds to help expand its in-hospital programs. The Evanston Community Foundation will also receive a portion of the fundraising dollars to further its mission of community building through grants and leadership development.

In an effort to create new excitement and participation around NUDM, organizers opted to shorten the event from 30 to 15 hours and hold the fundraiser after spring break.

Planned construction near Norris University Center necessitated the move to Welsh-Ryan Arena.  NUDM reports the changes were successful in creating new energy around the annual event. Organizers also noted increased participation among first year students.

Photos by Justin Barbin

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