Dance Marathon (DM) is now accepting charity nominations for the 2013-2014 school year.

Dance Marathon, also known as school chest, is a large annual student-run charity event in District 219. Besides organizing the event all year long, students can participate in Dance Marathon by nominating a charity. Each year, students, staff and other members of the community may nominate a charity that’s near and dear to their heart to be the primary beneficiary for the following year’s Dance Marathon.

“I think it’s so special that students nominate and choose a charity that the whole district raises money for the whole year,” DM exec senior Brittaney Chang said.

“Dance Marathon is a truly unique organization because the students get to nominate and vote on a charity that is dear to them for the next school year,” DM exec senior Kari Ross said. “It’s a fun process and everyone gets involved.”

This year’s primary beneficiary is Rustic Falls Nature Camp, a charity that was started by a family in D219, the Lentz family. Rustic Falls strives to create a unique outdoor experience for at-risk youth, cancer patients and physically and mentally challenged teens and adults in order to help them escape the everyday stresses of life.

DM also has an unchanging secondary beneficiary, the District 219 Education Foundation for Excellence. The Foundation, which was created by generous alumni of Niles North, West and East, raises money to help students in financial need within the District obtain the tools necessary for academic success. The Foundation has assisted students with paying for AP exams, ACT prep classes, calculators and more.

Nominating a charity for Dance Marathon is easy. Click here to be directed to Dance Marathon’s website (a link to the charity nomination form is on the homepage). All nominations are due Feb. 9.