Each year, D219’s Dance Marathon chooses a primary beneficiary to support through different events such as fundraising, volunteering, and awareness. This organization becomes the main focus of Dance Marathon’s efforts and events. This year, Dance Marathon is proud to support the Niles Township Food Pantry as their primary beneficiary. The pantry provides essential food, resources to local families in need, and helps strengthen their mission to support our community.
The Niles Township Food Pantry is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps with food purchases for the pantry. The Niles Township Food Pantry provides food at no cost for the township residents that are in need. Serving around 6,000 low income individuals per month who live in the Niles area, the pantry provides four meals for every dollar donated.
“The Niles Township Food Pantry is more than just a place to get groceries; it’s a resource that brings hope and stability to families during tough times,” food pantry director Tony Araque said. “We serve thousands of residents each year, and every bag of food represents dignity and care.”
The pantry began decades ago at a very small scale and gradually became more demanding by the community. Over the years the pantry has been supported by residents, local small businesses, and partners like Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Araque emphasizes the challenges the pantry is currently facing and areas of support.
“One of our biggest challenges is keeping up with the growing demand for food assurance in our community,” Araque said. “Rising food costs, combined with more families seeking help, have made it difficult to consistently keep our shelves stocked with healthy, fresh options.”
Dance Marathon is actively pursuing a variety of initiatives to support the pantry including hosting a variety show, getting involved in events in the community, and hosting auctions.
“This year, Dance Marathon is going to be hosting new events that haven’t been done in previous years,” junior Liam Kempner said. “Collectively, we believe that new events are a great initiative to raise a higher grand total of money for our beneficiary this year. Notably, a brand new event is currently being developed by the Special Events committee for this semester.”
Not only does the money that Dance Marathon raises goes to their selected primary beneficiary but also the Education Foundation which is their second beneficiary.
“All money that we raise goes straight to our beneficiaries,” Kempner said. “However every year, ten percent of all money raised will be donated to the Education Foundation, which is our second beneficiary. None of the money raised will go toward Dance Marathon, as every penny goes to both our primary beneficiary, the Niles Food Pantry, and ten percent to the Education Foundation.”
Senior Shifa Mahmood highlights the positive impact of selecting the pantry as this year’s primary beneficiary.
“1 in 7 of Niles North kids benefit from the food pantry,” Mahmood said. “They provide not just food but also toiletries and food for little kids.”
To support Dance Marathon and help make a difference, check out the Dance Marathon website or visit the pantry directly at 8431 Lockwood Avenue, Skokie IL.
