Fayetteville-Manlius High School students wrapped up their annual Dance Marathon fundraiser over the weekend, raising a total of $145,021.39 for Camp Good Days and Special Times.
Each fall, a new group of MCs (masters of ceremonies) is chosen from the senior class. Those students are charged with raising awareness and money for Camp Good Days. The not-for-profit organization provides a summer camp experience to children whose lives have been impacted by cancer and sickle cell anemia. This year, the money raised by F-M students will help send 181 kids to camp.
Students organize the months-long fundraising campaign, which culminates in an hours-long Dance Marathon event. Each year, students raise money by going door-to-door, hosting in-school events like the Pink Out Basketball game, and encouraging students at other school buildings to host fundraisers of their own. It costs about $800 to send a child to the camp, F-M students aim to raise $100,000 each year.
This is a longtime tradition at F-M; students have been hosting a Dance Marathon event for more than 30 years. The majority of campaigns throughout the years have benefited Camp Good Days and Special Times.
