iphone addict A member of the cluster DM 2010 Exec Board

On March 6th, more than 1,000 eager students will take their first steps on the dance floor as they join in one of Northwestern’s greatest traditions and one of the country’s largest student-run philanthropies, Dance Marathon. Yet on March 7th, a full 30 hours later, the exhausted and nearly delirious students will dig deep for that last ounce of energy and emotion to jump, cheer, and often cry, as we hand what we hope will be a record-breaking check to StandUp for Kids – a wonderful organization that provides aid to the over 1.3 million homeless youth in this country. I can’t even imagine what will be going through my head at that time, as the end of Dance Marathon 2010 will mark the completion of over a year and a half of the hardest work of my life. In a way, though, it is the culmination of what I’ve been most passionate about for three full years, throughout my Northwestern career.

From the days spent canning on the streets of Evanston and Skokie Freshman year, to help coordinate security Sophomore and Junior year, DM has consistently provided me with an outlet from daily concerns, to take part in something incredibly worthwhile and so much bigger than myself. Last spring, I took an opportunity to join the event’s executive board to handle Dance Marathon’s corporate partnerships. After countless letters, calls, emails, and meetings over many months, we’re achieving great results. Many quality companies have joined us as DM sponsors including Apple, Balfour, Kaplan, Whole Foods, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the Chicago Tribune thus far. And although I’d rather make freshmen do it, you’ll still find me out canning.

My role with Dance Marathon this year also allowed me to have the unique opportunity to be among the group of people who selected this year’s beneficiary. After reviewing hundreds of proposals from across the country, we decided to put our efforts into fundraising for StandUp for Kids, an organization committed to getting children on the streets a job, shelter, and a better life. We’ve met parents, we’ve met the children themselves, and we’ve worked closely with the directors of the organization while spreading their important cause across the campus. By March 7th, we hope to provide StandUp for Kids with the largest contribution DM has ever made in its 35 year history, one which will keep the organization operating for years to come.

It is with all this in mind that I ask for your support in my fundraising efforts for Dance Marathon 2010. I will continue to work my hardest to fundraise for this worthwhile cause, but I can only do so much without your help. If you would like to learn more about DM, StandUp for Kids, or have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (772) 321-8437 or n.shah@nudm.org. As always, your support means a lot to me—thank you so much.

Website: http://www.nudm.org