Niles West Dance Marathon Club is hosting their annual 5-kilometer run at Niles West on Sunday Oct. 6. The run is to raise funds for this year’s chief beneficiary, the Chicago Refugee Coalition.
The D219 Dance Marathon club is a student led organization that raises money every year for their chief beneficiary, which changes annually. This year, Dance Marathon chose the Chicago Refugee Coalition.
“At the Chicago Refugee Coalition, we are a diverse and dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about promoting the rights and dignity of refugees…Above all, we are humanitarians. We believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances. And we are committed to working tirelessly to ensure that refugees in our community have the support and resources they need to build a better life for themselves and their families,” Chicago Refugee Coalition said.
Every year, Dance Marathon hosts a 5-kilometer race in the backfields of Niles West as a major fundraiser for the rest of the year, with all profits from runners’ entrance fees going to the clubs donations.
“[The 5-K] brings a decent chunk of the money given to fund programs for food packages given to refugee families and the community involvement is very important because this year’s beneficiary directly impacts the diverse D219 population,” Dance Marathon member Giulia Patrascu said.
With a cost of $10.00 student group runners, $15.00 for adult group runners and students, and $20.00 for solo adult runners, the 5K has historically brought in a hefty chunk of change for the Dance Marathon, but beyond the fiscal support that the 5-K produces, community involvement is key.
“Community involvement is incredibly important to our success. We have been able to raise over 1.5 million dollars because of our partnerships in the schools and in the community. We work with local businesses, get donations from local companies, and often, the charities the students chose are local. For example, last year’s beneficiary was Will’s Place, a Skokie cafe that employs some of our very own alumni,” Dance Marathon sponsor and Niles West English teacher, Dena Lichterman said.
In fact, Pankaj Sharma, Niles North Dance Marathon Club’s sponsor, has participated in every single Dance Marathon 5K since the event began in 2013. Sharma has sponsored the club for over two decades now, and is still just as inspired as the day he started.
“I am excited to support the efforts of students who I admire and respect. Plus, it supports two wonderful causes: the Chicago Refugee Coalition and the Niles Township Education Foundation,” Sharma said.
Needless to say, the Dance Marathon 5K, this Sunday at 9:00 am, is an event that will affect the lives of many. Participants, spectators and beneficiaries alike are thrilled for the sound of the starter pistol, opening a new season of humanity.
