Dancer Application

Committee Application

Frequently Asked Questions about Dance Marathon

Why should I care about Dance Marathon?

Dance Marathon is the largest student-run philanthropy in the nation and is one of Northwestern's defining events. Apart from giving you that warm, fuzzy feeling inside, it will be one of your most memorable and rewarding experiences.

Where is all the money going?

This year's primary beneficiary is the Pediatric AIDS Chicago Prevention Initiative, an organization started in 2000 with the goal of eliminating pediatric HIV/AIDS in Chicago. 10% of the proceeds will go to the Evanston Community Foundation, a DM beneficiary since 1998.

I love philanthropy, but I'm not interested in dancing. Is there another way to get involved in DM?

One of the easiest ways to get involved is by joining of the five Willard Dance Marathon committees-applications are available now.

What's the difference between a Willard Dancer and an Independent Dancer?

Groups on campus compete to raise the most money. To level the playing field between the big dorms (like us) and small groups, each group is only allowed a maximum of ten couples' funds to count towards their group's total. Willard Dancers are the ten couples whose funds count toward Willard's total. Since they have to raise more money, they also receive more housing points than the Independent Dancers. However, if Independent Dancers raise above the required $750, the additional money counts towards Willard's total, and they will receive extra housing points.

I'm confused, what do we do as dancers?

You raise the required amount of money by the deadline ($1000 per Willard couple and $750 per independent couple) and when the weekend of DM rolls around (March 3-5), you party for 30 hours straight!

Wow, that's a lot of money to raise. How do I do it?

It's not as hard as it sounds. Writing letters to friends and relatives asking for donations is the easiest way. Have checks made out to Northwestern University. If donors request a receipt for tax purposes, we can get them one. Another great way to raise money is by canning. Canning involves standing on a street corner wearing a bright yellow DM bib and begging passers-by to donate spare change. A general tip for fundraising: START EARLY.

Can I be a dancer and also be on a committee?

Yes.