South High Marathon Dance

- 42 Merritt Rd, South Glens Falls, NY 12803

Introduction / Overview

The South High Marathon Dance (SHMD) is a remarkable and celebrated charitable event held annually at South High School in South Glens Falls, New York. More than just a dance, this student-driven fundraiser has become a cornerstone of the community, embodying the power of unity and compassion. What began in 1978 as a small event has grown into a major community juggernaut, raising millions of dollars for individuals, families, and organizations in need of financial assistance. Each year, hundreds of high school students commit to dancing for an incredible 28 hours straight, all to benefit those facing hardship in their community. The event is a testament to the dedication and generosity of the young people in our area. It’s a powerful experience for all involved, from the student dancers to the recipients of the funds. As one participant noted, "This event gives us a huge chance to dance and safely meet new friends. Especially without trouble. Family friendly." The atmosphere is one of hope and shared purpose, where the entire community comes together to support a common cause. The dance itself is the culmination of months of hard work and year-round fundraising activities. It is a true celebration of the spirit of giving and a moving display of how a small town can come together to create monumental change. The South High Marathon Dance is a registered 501(c)(3) charity, ensuring that all donations are tax-deductible and all funds raised go directly to those who need them most. It’s an inspiring tradition that reminds us all of the importance of looking out for each other and making a positive impact on the world around us.

Location and Accessibility

The South High Marathon Dance is held at South Glens Falls Senior High School, located at 42 Merritt Rd, South Glens Falls, NY 12803, USA. This well-known location is at the heart of the community and serves as the epicenter for this inspiring event. For the convenience and safety of all participants and visitors, the event organizers are committed to providing a fully accessible environment. The South High Marathon Dance provides a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that everyone in the community, including those with varying mobility needs, can participate in or attend the event. The immense size and popularity of the event mean that a comprehensive plan for traffic and parking is in place to ensure a smooth experience for all. Due to the high number of attendees, the event utilizes satellite parking areas with shuttle bus services to alleviate congestion at the school. This organized approach to logistics demonstrates the team’s dedication to providing a seamless and secure experience from start to finish. The central location in South Glens Falls makes the event a convenient hub for the entire community to gather and celebrate this incredible charitable effort. The commitment to accessibility and safety is a top priority, and it is a testament to the event's professional and compassionate approach to bringing the community together.

Services Offered

• Student-Driven Fundraiser: The primary service is a student-led dance marathon that raises significant funds for local individuals and charities.
• Community Engagement: The event provides a platform for the entire community to participate in and contribute to a charitable cause.
• Donation Management: A structured system for managing and distributing funds to selected beneficiaries, who are often individuals and families in need of financial assistance for medical expenses, accessibility needs, and more.
• Event Hosting: The marathon dance itself is a well-organized, multi-day event with various activities, including silent and live auctions, raffles, and performances.
• DJ and Music Services: The event features great music and a professional sound system to keep students dancing for 28 hours straight.
• Public Viewing: The public can attend and witness the powerful opening and closing ceremonies, and certain periods of the dance itself.
• Online and In-Person Fundraising: Multiple ways to donate, including direct contributions to a student dancer's fundraising goal or the general fund, as well as purchasing items and participating in on-site raffles and auctions.
• Alumni Participation: A dedicated program that allows former dancers to return and participate in the event.

Features / Highlights

• Student-Led Philanthropy: This is a remarkable, student-driven event where students are responsible for selecting beneficiaries, fundraising, and organizing activities, demonstrating incredible leadership and community spirit.
• Impressive Fundraising Totals: Since its inception in 1978, the dance has raised millions of dollars, with annual totals often exceeding half a million dollars, making a profound impact on hundreds of beneficiaries.
• 28-Hour Dance Marathon: A truly challenging and inspiring feat where students dance for 28 consecutive hours as a symbol of their dedication and commitment to the cause.
• Massive Community Involvement: The event brings together the entire South Glens Falls community, with students from elementary and middle schools also participating in various fundraising activities.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The event provides a safe and welcoming environment for all, where people can meet new friends and celebrate a shared purpose.
• Broad Beneficiary Impact: The funds raised assist a wide range of individuals and organizations, including families with medical needs, local non-profits, and more, showing a commitment to helping the entire community.
• Accessible to All: The event provides a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, ensuring that all community members can attend.
• Tax-Deductible Donations: The South High Marathon Dance Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) charity, allowing all donations to be tax-deductible for donors.

Contact Information

Address: 42 Merritt Rd, South Glens Falls, NY 12803, USA

Phone: (518) 792-9987

What is worth choosing

For those in the New York region looking for a truly impactful way to support their local community, the South High Marathon Dance is a premier choice. What makes this event so profoundly worth choosing is its unique and powerful combination of student leadership and community-wide philanthropy. Unlike other fundraisers, this is not just an event; it is a movement that has raised over ten million dollars throughout its history, with every dollar going to a worthy cause within the local area. The fact that the students themselves are the driving force behind the organization, from selecting the beneficiaries to organizing the 28-hour dance, is a testament to the character and commitment of the young people in South Glens Falls. As one person mentioned in their review, the event provides a space to "dance and safely meet new friends," highlighting the positive and family-friendly environment that is a hallmark of this tradition. The scale of community involvement is staggering, with over 80% of the high school's student body participating each year. This level of dedication creates an atmosphere that is truly moving and inspiring to witness. For those unable to dance, there are countless ways to get involved, whether through donating, bidding in the silent and live auctions, or simply attending to show support. The event’s commitment to safety and accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, ensures that everyone can be a part of this powerful tradition. The South High Marathon Dance is more than a charity event; it is a demonstration of what is possible when a community unites with a shared goal. Choosing to support this incredible tradition is not just a donation; it is an investment in the future of the community and a vote of confidence in the kindness and compassion of the next generation.

South High Marathon Dance

42 Merritt Rd, South Glens Falls, NY 12803, USA