The DM Mission

St. Louis Area Dance Marathon (DM) strives to raise funds for and awareness of Children's Miracle Network of Greater St. Louis (CMN). Each year, participants from area universities, high schools, and the St. Louis community come together to benefit CMN's two local hospitals, St. Louis Children's Hospital and Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center. DM is entirely student-run and works to maintain a strong St. Louis tradition, increase the commitment and dedication of our participants, and continue to expand to include more participation from the St. Louis community. Our 12-hour dance-a-thon is the culmination of a year-long effort to fundraise for CMN, and the event serves as a celebration of the community's achievements. All participants and visitors are welcome to enjoy the dancing, games, crafts, sports, and team competitions that take place at Dance Marathon. Participants are joined by CMN Miracle Children and their families, who have been treated at our two hospitals.

DM History

Dance Marathons take place on a number of university campuses throughout the United States to benefit a variety of children's organizations. The St. Louis Area Dance Marathon was founded by Pankaj Sharma to benefit St. Louis' two children's hospitals. Now, approaching its 13th event, DM is continuing to make a difference in the St. Louis community.

The annual 12-hour dance-a-thon has grown from 100 dancers raising approximately $100 each to include over 1000 participants and hundreds more visitors and volunteers who together raised over $170,000 in 2010. DM is based out of Washington University in St. Louis, which is the home of the Executive Board. Our programs include hospital tours, pen-pal programs with Miracle Children, awareness campaigns, and fundraisers.