Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Organizations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Students describe Dance Marathon fundraising for Niles Township Food Pantry and Education Foundation
Summary
Students from Niles North and Niles West presented Dance Marathon — a student‑led nonprofit (District 219) that has raised about $1.2 million over 24 years — and said the 2025–26 beneficiary is the Niles Township Food Pantry. The event is set for May 23.
Students representing District 219’s Dance Marathon spoke to the Village Board about their annual fundraising program on Feb. 17. Ayan Khan (Niles North), Adam Karklick (Niles North), Isabella Valencia and Orly Eisenberg (Niles West) described a student‑run organization with about 40 executive members and multiple committees (finance, fundraising, public relations, operations and community outreach).
Students said Dance Marathon has raised roughly $1.2 million over 24 years for beneficiaries in the Chicagoland area. For the 2025–26 school year the primary beneficiary is the Niles Township Food Pantry, which staff said serves more than 6,000 families in the district; the Education Foundation is a secondary beneficiary and typically receives 10% of funds raised. The students noted fundraising methods include direct donations, events and “canning” at grocery stores, and listed local partners and sponsors. They said the annual Dance Marathon event is planned for May 23.
Board members thanked students for their work and encouraged residents to support their fundraising efforts during community canning and events.
