Take a look at all of the different ways you can get involved with Dance Marathon at UF. Whether you are interested in becoming a Captain, Miracle Maker, Emerging Leader, Ambassador, Fundraiser, or member of Kirstyn’s Krew, this page is your path to getting involved! There are so many ways to give back through DM at UF, and we would love for you to join our Dance Marathon family and help us make miracles.
Register To Fundraise
Registering to fundraise is the first step to joining the Dance Marathon movement. Creating a fundraising page is quick and easy! Go to the Register to Fundraise page for instructions on how to sign up.
Get Involved with the Dance Marathon Family
If you would like to get involved with our organization, check out the list of positions below!
Organization: Student Organizations work year-round to support our cause.
Miracle Maker: Miracle Makers stand on their feet if able for the duration of our Main Event in April to raise funds and awareness for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.
Emerging Leader: Members of our Emerging Leaders Program work alongside the Recruitment Team, providing support to Captain Teams and brainstorming new ideas to ensure a successful future for our organization.
Captain: Captains belong to 1 of 15 teams and take on yearlong responsibilities specific to their respective teams, with the goal of supporting and promoting our organization.
Assistant Directors: Individuals who work all year with their respective Overall Directors to ensure steady growth and management within their Captain Teams.
Overall Directors: The 20 individuals who lead Dance Marathon efforts throughout the year. They are responsible for leading their respective Captain Teams to oversee, expand, and promote our organization.
About
Since 1995, Dance Marathon at UF has raised over $31 million for UF Health Shands Children's Hospital, our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Thanks to your dedication and support throughout your college years, we have become the most successful student-run philanthropy in the southeastern United States.
Dance Marathon at UF knows that the Gator Nation is everywhere. Formed in 2013, Dance Marathon at UF Alumni gives alumni across the country the opportunity to continue to give back and stay involved with their alma mater. Membership is only $40 per year and offers a variety of benefits.
Get Involved!
Our Dance Marathon at UF Alumni continue to support our cause and spread our movement, even after they graduate. Join the DMA and stay a member of DM at UF for years to come with exclusive alumni access at the event and the opportunity to continue your involvement beyond your years at UF. Become a member today!
This lifetime membership provides the following benefits for a one-time fee of $40. If you are signing up for the DMA for the first time, you will receive a complimentary Event Package outlined underneath the membership benefits. Purchase the Lifetime DMA Miracle Membership here .
Membership Benefits Include:
Monthly E-Newsletter updates
Preferred Access at the event to the DMA VIP room
Opportunity to participate as a DMA Dancer* at the event
Voting and leadership opportunities for the DMA Board
Inclusion and invites to regionally hosted DMA events
First year members get a complimentary Event Package
*DMA Dancer registration fees apply.
Event Package:
DMA members can purchase an exclusive event package to enhance their experience during the Dance Marathon weekend in spring. This package is ideal for those who plan to attend Dance Marathon at UF and can be purchased for $40 up to one month before the event. If this is your first year signing up for the DMA, you will automatically receive a complimentary Event Package included in your Lifetime Miracle Membership. Purchase the DMA Event Package here.
The Event Package includes:
Opportunity to participate in a behind-the-scenes hospital tour
Opt-in to receive the DMA event t-shirt**
Discounted Miracle Gala tickets
Tickets to the DMA Brunch during the event
Ability to receive fundraising incentives during the event
Access to the Family Room at the event
*DMA event t-shirt opt-in includes a direct mailing option for those members unable to attend the event.
FAQs
Q: I have never been a part of the DMA before and just registered for the first time. What membership do I have? A: As a first-time DMA member, your $40 fee makes you a Lifetime Miracle Member and provides you with a complimentary Event Package.The following year, you will have to pay $40 for the Event Package if you so choose.
Q: What if I registered for the DMA in a previous year (2015-2021) and never renewed? A: You are already a Lifetime Miracle Member! Should you want an Event Package, you will have to purchase one for $40. The link to purchase is available here .
Q: Can I purchase an Event Package throughout the year? A: Yes! However, you can only purchase it up until one month before the event so we are able to accommodate for all of the additional benefits (i.e. t-shirt, brunch, etc.). This year the final day you can purchase the event package is February 28th.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email them to alumni@floridadm.org.
I have a habit of doing embarrassing things for donations. I once turned myself into a peanut butter & jelly sandwich, and have run the 5K dressed as an alien and in a banana costume!
Favorite DM Memory
Performing in the DM Talent Show as Nick Mullen backup dancers as he sang Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson, or embarrassing Mr. Scott Mullen year after year by winning fundraising challenges!
How Have You Carried on Dance Marathon?
I have continued to both fundraise and donate to Dance Marathon since I graduated from UF in 2017 and have had the opportunity to attend the event as an alumna. This past year I was also able to stay involved with the DMA miracle family, the Mullens, and consider their family as my extended family.
I had the opportunity to spend an hour at the top of the ODome during the event as an OT member. Seeing the joy of the miracle families and the dancers really made me appreciate the opportunity to be there and all of the hard work of the folks involved to get us to that day.
How Have You Carried on Dance Marathon?
I have continued to stay involved through the DMA and still keep in touch with some of the miracle families I met at UF
Miracle Gala
Each year, Dance Marathon at UF hosts their Annual Miracle Gala the first night of the Main Event. This year, the Annual Miracle Gala will be held on March 26th, 2022 from 6 PM - 9 PM EST. This year’s Miracle Gala theme is Change Their Future in tribute to our yearlong campaign to #ChooseChange. We hope you will join us to raise funds and awareness for the children at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital and help Change Their Future.
This black-tie event is designed for the Dance Marathon at UF community to celebrate a year of achievements, meet other community members and our Miracle Families, experience fine dining, hear from guest speakers, receive exclusive tours of the Main Event, participate in our Silent Auction, and take part in our Raise the Paddle fundraiser which benefits a participant of the donor’s choice.
The night will be filled with many Special Guests, including Miracle Families, UF Health Shands Staff, Community Partners, Sponsors, members of our High School Program, Keynote Speakers, an Alumni Spotlight, and more!
Ticket sales will be launched shortly! When they become available, they will be found here.
For more information or questions about sponsoring the event, please contact the Community Outreach Overall Director, Bridget Richer, at bricher@floridadm.org. We look forward to seeing you there!
Applications
Thank you for your interest in Dance Marathon at the University of Florida 2025.
The online application forms are linked below. In order to be considered for a Captain, the Emerging Leaders Program, or Ambassador position, you must:
Complete the online application form.
Create a DonorDrive personal fundraising page.
Pay the $25 application fee. You only need to pay the application fee once even if you are applying for more than one position. Instructions on how to complete both of these items can be found on the front page of either application.
You can apply for both the Emerging Leaders Program and for Captain Teams. However, your Captain Application will take priority over your Emerging Leader Application. To be eligible to be an Ambassador, you can not hold another position as well.
Manager Application Now Closed
Overall Director Application Now Closed
Assistant Director Application Now Closed
Captain Application Now Closed
Emerging Leaders Application Now Closed
Ambassador Application Now Closed
If you have any questions regarding applications, please reach out to our Membership Manager, Abby Ferrell, at aferrell@floridadm.org.
What is an Ambassador?
Organization Ambassadors serve as a liaison between Dance Marathon and their respective organization.
Organization Ambassadors will attend weekly meetings to receive information to relay to their Organizations and to work on professional and personal development. These meetings will allow Ambassadors to think creatively and brainstorm together to create new ways to incentivize and engage their members in Dance Marathon. Each Organization will be assigned a Fundraising & Organization Development Captain to work with on Organization involvement and fundraising throughout the year.
Recruit and motivate members of their Organization to fundraise and participate
Encourage members to get involved with Dance Marathon
Inform all Organization members of events, registration dates, fundraising incentives, etc.
Work with the Family Relations Team to engage with their respective Miracle Family throughout the year
Host a minimum of one Hospitality Night or fundraising event
Be in attendance at various Dance Marathon events during the year (i.e. Miracles in Color 5K, Moralloween, Miracle Family Events, etc.)
Responsibilities during the Main Event:
Help assign Miracle Maker buddies prior to the Event for each Miracle Maker
Work with their Fundraising and Organization Development Captain to encourage and help Miracle Makers fundraise at the Event
Relay important information to Miracle Makers throughout the Event
Be available for Miracle Makers in case of emergency
Ambassadors are also encouraged to be Miracle Makers if they choose and are eligible for free Miracle Maker Registration upon meeting expectations of the program.
To participate as an Organization in Dance Marathon, you must register your team each year. First, check to make sure your team is not already registered. To register a new team, please complete the following steps:
Go to floridadm.org and click “Donate.”
Scroll down and click “Register Now.”
Input your information and create a new Organization.
Fill out the proceeding information for your team and once your team has been registered, your members can join your team by following the steps and joining your existing Organization team.
Each team will need an Ambassador to represent them. Please email the Organization Relations Overall, Caroline Lee, at clee@floridadm.org to inform them you have created a team and will be serving as the Ambassador or have plans of selecting an Ambassador in the near future. The Organization Relations Overall will not be able to get in contact with you unless you email them to let them know you started a team.
2023 Ambassadors
Alpha Chi Omega Louisina Morancy Hailey Hood
Gamma Eta Angelyn Castano Caicedo
Sigma Chi Brogan Tagman William Galleher
Alpha Delta Pi Lola Accardi
Gamma Phi Beta Alexis Pullos Lauren Klein
Sigma Kappa Danielle DePaul
Alpha Epsilon Phi Maggie Goldenberg Sophie Gaer
Gator Diplomats Andrew Han
Sigma Nu Zachary Terwilliger
Alpha Epsilon Pi Joshua Levin Jason Snytte
Hispanic Student Association Paula Gonzalez
Sigma Phi Epsilon Benjamin Lang Liam Farrell
Alpha Gamma Rho Cole Verano
Innovation Academy Amelia Enciso-Mesa Shreya Shah
Society of Women Engineers Elena Rollins Alessandra Andreozzi
Alpha Omicron Pi Madison Baker Nicole Gigliotti
Kappa Alpha Order Nolan Carpenter Robert Noble
Tau Kappa Epsilon Elijah Freedman
Alpha Phi Casey Strauss Kelsey Reader
Kappa Alpha Theta Alexa Diamond
The Gator Aides Arianna Lowther
AMSA Taylor Tompkins Hayley Makowski
Kappa Delta Kshama Shetty Madeline Browy
Theta Alpha Kyla Clewis
Alpha Tau Omega Cameron Alvarez James Wachter
Kappa Kappa Gamma Ava Jones
Theta Chi Sazzad Mabud
Beta Theta Pi Paul Kolsun
Kappa Phi Epsilon Paul McKenzie Aidan Hall
Theta Tau Rebecca Merwin Katherine Walsh
Black Student Union Louisina Morancy Desrae Morris
Kappa Sigma Nolan Hensley
UF Honors Program Claudia Elena Johnson Cuellar
Chi Omega Riley Rhoden
Lambda Chi Alpha Nickolas Powers
UF Pre-Physician Assistant Association Isabella Clem
Chi Phi Jacob Bravo Cole Carpinteri
Omega Phi Alpha Rachel Farmer Kristen Rifenberg
Zeta Beta Tau Brendan Kligerman Coby Farhi
Delta Chi Tor Moncrieff
Phi Delta Theta Answer Langer
Zeta Tau Alpha Caitlin Gregory
Delta Delta Delta Jennifer Berthy Lainey Shapiro
Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society Cade Ferguson
Delta Gamma Gabriela Torres de Navarra Tyller Bauer
Phi Kappa Tau Brian Beckman
Delta Nu Zeta Kyra Kimball Sparsha Padi
Phi Mu Samantha Butler
Delta Phi Epsilon Emma Glech Rachel Lerner
Pi Beta Phi Elly Rogers Ashlyn Sullivan
Delta Sigma Phi Jack Ziegler Elijah Bloyer
Pi Lambda Phi Daniel Chaiet Daniel Fernandez
Delta Tau Delta Michael Buzzeo
Pi Kappa Alpha Noah Sastoque Kruze Peacock
Delta Zeta Brielle Serovich Ariana Martinez
Pre-Legal Honor Society Freedom Scholes
Captain Teams
Each Captain Team is composed of an Overall Director, Assistant Directors and Captains.
Assistant Directors are individuals who work yearlong with their respective Overall Directors to ensure steady growth and management within their Captain Team. ADs possess effective skills in responsibility, organization and leadership. The responsibilities of each AD position vary among each Captain Team. Assistant Directors are elected at the end of Spring semester.
Captains are leaders within our organization who have specific duties throughout the year depending on their teams. There are 15 Captain Teams, each having vastly different responsibilities to ensure the growth and promotion of our cause on many different fronts. Captains typically have weekly or biweekly meetings and are a vital part of the Dance Marathon family. Captains applications are released at the beginning of Fall semester.
Click each tab below to learn more about each team and its responsibilities.
The Dancer Engagement Team is responsible for welcoming and communicating with Miracle Makers by hosting Check-Ins, tracking Miracle Maker involvement and providing a year long experience for Miracle Makers through events and other engagement throughout the year. DE Captains work alongside the Recruitment Team to help register Miracle Makers during registration pushes. Captains will be responsible for a group of Miracle Makers that they will communicate with to promote all DM at UF and Miracle Maker events or opportunities. Captains are expected to attend Check-Ins on Wednesdays in Turlington, where they will Check in Miracle Makers, log their Spirit Points, help with the Check-Ins activity, and spread the word about DM at UF on campus. Dancer Engagement also plans events and other engagement specifically for Miracle Makers, which Captains will help execute! At the Main Event, their job is to Check in Miracle Makers, encourage and support them throughout the 26.2 hours, and run swim/shower overnight. As a DE Captain, you are also expected to be a support system for your Miracle Makers and be a resource to them throughout their entire DM at UF experience!
Overall Director
Raegan DiRenzo
Assistant Director of Stewardship
Frankie Provenzano
Assistant Director of Internal Relations
Katie McKeon
Assistant Director of External Relations
Kate Hannah
Captains
Natalia Romano | Kendall Mehlenbacher | Colby Bottger | Daniella Escobar | River Koile | Morgan Schneider | Avery McCormack | Gabby London | Cooper Neel | Cami Rubin | Summer Kauffman | Davi Fishman
The Digital Marketing Team is composed of graphic designers and software developers responsible for making the Dance Marathon at UF brand come to life. Technology Captains are responsible for either the development/maintenance of the website or mobile iOS/Android applications and Design Captains are responsible for the creation of all print/web design needs (merchandise, social media graphics, newsletters, calendars, etc.). Throughout the year, Captains work together to create high-tech, portfolio-quality materials that showcase Dance Marathon as a professional student-run movement. During the Main Event, Captains run the tech booth, which includes managing multiple screens inside the O’Dome, sending app notifications, coordinating audio/visual feeds, and creating in-event graphics.
Overall Director
Cameron Appel
Assistant Director of Internal Design
Katrina Isé
Assistant Director of External Design
Ansley Goldstein
Assistant Director of Internal Technology
Zachary Grosswirth
Assistant Director of External Technology
Eric Hengber
Assistant Director of Internal Affairs
Hailey Paek
Captains
Kate Negron | Chloe Greene | Sean Cheema | Katelyn King | Jayden Spitulnik | Sydney Barnett | Jennifer Gardner | Marina Cheema | Mia Tunon | Casey Vargas | Rachel Glew | Phillip-Dylan Ndwiga | Alicia Grant | Riley Shapiro | Jamie Knox
The Family Relations Team is composed of Captains that serve as liaisons between the Dance Marathon at UF community and the Miracle Families. Captains are paired with at least one Miracle Family and their responsibilities include maintaining consistent contact with their paired Miracle Family, facilitating cause-connection between their Family and the community, and organizing events between the Miracle Families and participating Organizations. Captains will attend monthly Family Fun Days, design and build the Family Room for the 26.2-hour Main Event, and facilitate activities and entertainment for the Miracle Families throughout the entirety of the year. Captains will build cause-connection with the entire Dance Marathon at UF community through fostering relationships between Miracle Families, Captains, Ambassadors, Emerging Leaders, Miracle Makers, and the rest of the community.
Overall Director
Dawson Geller
Assistant Director of Family Events
Chloe Claxton
Assistant Director of Tracking
Mary Bennett
Assistant Director of Internal Outreach
Jackson Bond
Assistant Director of External Outreach
Kristen Russo
Captains
Stella Hurwitz | Emma Shellard | Parker Brown | Samara Becker | Hadassah Sternfeld | Riley Hearn | Emma Sugarman | Logan Black | Lilly Smith | Aaron Fintz | Sophia Diaz | Jackie Bernstein | Piper Dowdell | Gabriella Paredes | Rachel Beer | Victoria Poliak | Gabriella Vogel | Alexa Diamond | Mollie Kron | Gabrielle Monk | Ashleigh Churchill | London Taylor | Jake Rattner | Catherine Hanania | Kaya Hall | Matthew Strogach | Ava Rechter | Shreya Shah | Ryan Magee | Janelle Sumbeling | Abhay Thungathurthi | Ashlin Cannella | Angela Trinh | Rebecca Beer | Haven Copeland | Jasmine Davis | Maddie Avergonzado | Arie Eitani | Joshua Brandt | Madison Daire
The Finance Team is responsible for the financial oversight of Dance Marathon at UF. This is achieved through the creative planning and strategic tracking of fundraising campaigns throughout the year. Captains will actively participate in discussions and spearhead special projects involving the creation of fundraising campaigns, incentives, and templates used by all members of Dance Marathon at UF. Through collaborating with the Merchandise, Digital Marketing, and Organization Relations Teams, Finance Captains will have the opportunity to directly impact fundraising initiatives. The Finance Team tracks and projects year-long fundraising efforts while providing adept insight into program development and application by engaging members, increasing involvement, and coordinating ways to improve the fundraising capabilities of the Organization as a whole. Additionally, Finance Captains have the unique opportunity to apply matching and offline funds through Donor Drive, fostering a deeper connection to the success of Dance Marathon at UF.
Overall Director
Ryan Beany
Assistant Director of Fundraising Development
Aaron Niazi
Assistant Director of Finance Tracking
Tyler Bonnoront
Captains
Alejandra Gomez-Pina | Karas Silver | Justien Nguyen | Abby Scapillato | Isabella Ebaugh-Santos | Miray Eser Eser | Jaxen Ranson | Jacob Bousky | Ava Fisher | Chloe Field | Grace Chukwu | Daniel Mateu
The Leadership Development Team is responsible for overseeing and running the Emerging Leaders Program. This team will focus on developing and integrating students with minimal previous Dance Marathon experience into the Dance Marathon at UF community through tangible exposure to Dance Marathon’s various leadership roles. As a part of this team, Captains will work to cultivate the leadership skills of the newfound members of our Dance Marathon family. Captains are responsible for not only facilitating and leading their own small group meetings and attending general body meetings, but also tracking, overseeing, and organizing the involvement of the Emerging Leaders in various other Dance Marathon events. During the Main Event, Leadership Development Captains will be responsible for managing and monitoring Emerging Leader’s responsibilities in order to progress Emerging Leader’s roles within Dance Marathon as a whole.
Overall Director
Sophie Linale
Assistant Director of Development
Alyssa Fennen
Assistant Director of Engagement
Maya Vaidya
Assistant Director of Outreach
Emily Brundage
Assistant Director of Tracking
Sophia Cuna
Captains
Cristyl Rodriguez | William Lynfatt | Samantha Mirer | Sabrina Gomez | Bruna Pereira | Isabella Garcia | Julianne Jane | Laynee Plawa | Emma Michalski | Emma Ackerman | Madylin Morse | Grace Nesbit | Shannon Detert | Lindsay Nattis | Jillian Jones | Caitlyn Galvez | Gabriela Verez | Alexia Bello | Mackenzie Gale | Haley Jones | Isabelle Rosado | Joshua Song | Becca Reich | Rebekah Zuckerman | Gabriel Sengelmann | Mia Corigliano | Haley Black | Victoria Rios | Ally McGill | Stella Monforte | Ana Luiza Queiroz Damo | Surleen Sahni
The Marathon Relations Team is composed of Captains that are responsible for advising and growing Dance Marathon at UF’s high school programs, Mini Marathons. They energize and support our “Minis” by educating students on Children’s Miracle Network and Dance Marathon at UF’s history and culture, as well as guiding them through fundraising and community involvement events throughout their school year. They do this by holding weekly meetings with the High Schoolers and communicating with Student Overalls and Advisors on a consistent basis, as well as updating the rest of the team with their progress at weekly Captain meetings. Marathon Relations Captains focus on strengthening relationships with high schools in 8 different counties in North and Central Florida by helping them plan and implement their own Mini Marathons. Most importantly, the Marathon Relations team attends all of our Mini Marathons, as well as hosts our partnering high school programs during Dance Marathon at the University of Florida. Captains will be responsible for at least one school which they will work closely with all year in order to ensure that school’s success.
Overall Director
Lexi Devescovi
Assistant Director of Established Programs
Madelyn Scaringe
Assistant Director of Evolving Programs
Gabriella Petillo
Assistant Director of New Programs
Grace Nelson
Assistant Director of Operations
Isabella Smedley
Captains
Inara Drainville | Alexa Katz | Allison Pace | Eva Sutton | Kyley Holder | Faith Giambalvo | Haven Wilson | Tiffany Cain | Matthew Lehman | Kendyll Campi | Marisa Ricks | Grace Grier | Maria Sacchi | Sara Hassler | Julia Paulsen | Lucy Eichler | Kaylin Djoko | Amina Mubarak | Lindsay Hersh | Priya Kalaria | Kenley Robinson | Reagan Parker
The Merchandise Team is responsible for creating and distributing all official Dance Marathon at the University of Florida merchandise, including clothing, accessories, and fundraising incentives. Captains are responsible for running the DM at UF store in Turlington every Wednesday, at community wide DM events, online, and at Mini Marathons in the spring. Captains must interact with internal and external members to sell merchandise, pass out incentives, and share our cause. Captains are also responsible for facilitating orders with Ambassadors and organizations on campus, organizing Check-In and Event shirts, regularly tracking inventory, managing online sales by packing and shipping orders, and internally fundraising. Before the Main Event, Captains finalize merch designs, fulfill orders, organize inventory, and set up areas for store and incentives. During the Main Event, Captains are responsible for working the merchandise store and incentives booth to pass out products to the Dance Marathon at UF community.
Overall Director
Olivia Knier
Assistant Director of Incentives and Inventory
Alexandra Kaye
Assistant Director of Fundraising
Abby Thibodeau
Assistant Director of Internal Operations
Lauren Klein
Assistant Director of Stores and Mini Marathons
Chloe Lindow
Captains
Morgan Mayhann | Camille Robinson | Lindsey Perry | Kenya Jarrett | Isabel Acosta | Abigayle Watson | Kiersten Grimes | Melody Alonso | Alexis Pullos | Joshua Yaciuk | Emily Celestrin | Taylor Barrett | Elana Gabbay | Adi Saigal | Alexandra Saclayan
The Morale Team is responsible for keeping the spirit of Dance Marathon energetic, positive, and meaningful throughout the entire year, prior to and during the 26.2-hour Main Event. Captains do this by engaging with students and the UF community at both Dance Marathon and UF-related events, hosting fall and spring fundraisers, interacting with high school students at Mini Marathons, and much more. Morale Captains bring the Dance Marathon spirit to campus all year. They constantly work to uplift, inspire, and encourage every member of the DM at UF community. In addition, Morale is in charge of creating, planning, and executing “Theme Hours,” which are unique hours during the Main Event that include costumes and activities to entertain the Miracle Makers. Finally, Morale Captains create the Linedance, which connects every person at the 26.2-hour Main Event. Morale then teaches and demonstrates the Linedance at the Main Event and throughout the year.
Overall Director
Dylan Siegel
Assistant Director of Captain Relations
Nina Rico
Assistant Director of Event Planning
Lilliana Remillard
Assistant Director of Fundraising
Sam Gurrerro
Assistant Director of Mini Marathon Coordination
Raina Khanna
Captains
Sean Campbell | Emily Sanz | DeLaney Brosen | Kylie Finkelstein | Carson Duke | Daniel Trethewey | Julia Zager | Annalee Watts | Lily Galkin | Sophie Fakhouri | Genesis Rodriguez | Ally Salzberg | Becca Harkins | Makenzie Cole | Zoe Donohoe | Candalyn Thompson | Jessica Perez | Cecilia Coleman | Hollyn O'Brien | Jordan Cohan | Casey Siner | Julia Mortensen | Lauren Maya | Cassandra Musca | Lily Darnell | Olivia Caldara | Kelsey Kettel | Anna Garst | Nika Forouzannia | Katie East | Lauren Price | Delaney Kennedy | Mary Grace Kelly | Olivia Martinez | Kayla Flores | Joshua Waters | Meghan Wilbrett | Sydney Kollas
The Multimedia Team is responsible for capturing and editing all photography and videography content for Dance Marathon at the University of Florida throughout the year and during the Main Event. The main goal of the Multimedia Team is to capture content that represents the DM at UF brand and its cause. Multimedia Captains are expected to promptly edit, sort, and upload their photos and videos to be used on our organization’s Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms. Captains are responsible for acquiring their own camera equipment and software needed, including Adobe Lightroom and Premiere Pro. In addition, Captains are expected to attend DM at UF events, including at least three high school Mini Marathons during the spring semester. Multimedia provides many opportunities for growth, collaboration and Captains are encouraged to learn from their peers. Captains should have previous experience and interest in photography and/or videography, editing, and be willing and motivated to grow in their craft throughout the year. During the 26.2-hour Main Event, Captains take photos and videos with rapid editing turn-around times to be uploaded to DM at UF’s various social media platforms.
The Organization Relations Team facilitates communication and maintains strong relationships between Dance Marathon (DM) and UF student organizations. This team empowers student groups to get more involved with DM by building connections through dedicated student representatives called Ambassadors. Led by Captains, the Ambassador Program involves weekly meetings to keep Ambassadors informed, engaged, and equipped to involve their organizations in both programming and fundraising. Organization Relations Captains also collaborate with other Family Relations and Dancer Engagement Captains to ensure team alignment. In essence, they act as a liaison, fostering enthusiastic participation from our organizations and maximizing the collective impact of Dance Marathon.
Overall Director
Caroline Lee
Assistant Director of IFC Relations
Peter Koltis
Assistant Director of Panhellenic Relations
Ariana Martinez
Assistant Director of Student Relations
Zosia Czigany
Assistant Director of Operations
Kelsey Reader
Captains
Cami Rosenthal | Avery Collada | Kaylee Wesner | Harmon Klein | Zoe Sakellarios | Shaila Spritzer | Holly Kaplan | Ariana Feldman | Julia Glacer | Carly Salk | Ryan LaLiberty | Chloe Megginson | Ashley Alex | Samantha Santo | Julianne Robinson | Corey Schwartz | Zach Wolsonovich | Liam Miller
The Outreach Team seeks to grow the Dance Marathon community beyond our student body by sharing our passion and mission to Faculty and Staff, Members’ Families, and the broader Gainesville community. The servant leaders of this team focus on creating and fostering lasting relationships through segmented communication to our external partners. This team serves to connect to Faculty and Staff, Members’ Families, and the external community to our year long engagements and organize events such as Faculty Appreciation Week, Family Weekend, and extending invitations to DM at UF events including but not limited to Moralloween, the Miracles in Color 5k, and the Main Event. The team will plan and engage in various volunteer opportunities with UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital on Giving Tuesday and throughout the duration of the school year. These efforts will culminate into an interactive experience during the Main Event to honor the entire community for their continued support of our cause.
Overall Director
Averie Engel
Assistant Director of Community Engagement
Maya Hershkowitz
Assistant Director of University Relations
Lani Tudor-Dodd
Assistant Director of Logistics
Alexandra Polo
Captains
Catherine Hardy | Jordan Hentrich | Tori Kitchens | Danielle Work | Jenna Hentrich | Mila Mullin | Sonali Vijay | Gabriella Williams | Eden Zausner | Kylie Katims | Grace Carreno | Abhilasha Kadel
The Partnerships Team works year-round to solicit varied businesses, food distributors, and restaurants in the greater Gainesville area for monetary and in-kind item donations. Partnerships Captains spend a large portion of the year reaching out to these organizations to coordinate donations and sponsorships, building strong relationships, while utilizing skills of leadership, communication, and stewardship. The Partnerships Team is responsible for all food-related needs for the 26.2 hour Main Event and all Dance Marathon at UF events throughout the year, as well as coordinating monthly spirit nights for DM at UF. Captains will help serve food at Dance Marathon at UF events, including throughout the duration of the 26.2 hour Main Event, and will manage check-ins at spirit nights. The Partnerships Team also organizes Miracle Market in the Spring, Silent Auction at the Main Event, a Sponsor Appreciation Event in the Fall, and Miracle Kitchen, an annual food-themed event for our Miracle Children.
Overall Director
Jessica Winograd
Assistant Director of Monetary Donations
Natalie Mann
Assistant Director of In-Kind Donations
Jaiden Lopes
Assistant Director of Stewardship
Elle Lentz
Assistant Director of Events
Chris Keeble
Assistant Director of Logistics
Annie Ross
Captains
Reagan Doucette | Courtney Carter | Annette Concepcion | Erin Mooney | Gabriela Wisz | Jessie Squadrito | Hadley Miller | Alex Licht | Sarah Klein | Marcus Khanna | Isabelle Azambuja | Kayla Bigelman | Emma Golub | Katie Glennon | Matthew Hill | Renee Zaiss
The Productions Team is responsible for all logistics and entertainment throughout the year and during the 26.2-hour Main Event. Productions Captains are in charge of building and organizing the homecoming float, planning and executing campus events (including but not limited to Captain Events in fall and spring), coordinating Main Event logistics (such as set up, clean up, strike planning, and event security), helping Morale with the planning and execution of Theme Hours, and booking entertainment for all of our events. The Productions Team carries out all operational duties in the O’Connell Center and assists other teams when necessary with logistics and entertainment.
Overall Director
Caroline Eaton
Assistant Director of Talent Relations
Ashley Paek
Assistant Director of External Logistics
Joshua Rosenblatt
Assistant Director of Internal Logistics
Lillian Ghozali
Assistant Director of Fundraising
Leah Johnson
Captains
Addison Dodd | RyLee Haugh | Sarah Broe | Meagan Long | Claire Dinh | Layna Hood | Isabella Ward | Rebecca Weigle | Olivia Rodriguez | Dani Primerano | Kristina Guerra | Ava Scammell | Vivian Lopez | Meryn Rubenstein | Daniela San Martin | Elisa Crivelli
The Public Relations Team is responsible for maintaining the external views and public reputation of Dance Marathon at UF. PR Captains work year-round to uphold the organization’s mission statement, vision, and branding. This involves forming relationships with local media sources, writing blogs to share stories and important updates, and using social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok) to connect and engage with our audience. Captains use creativity to construct campaigns throughout the year, write storylines for Multimedia videos, and develop innovative ways to extend DM at UF’s reach and keep the community involved and informed. During the Main Event, Captains are also responsible for escorting the media, updating social media platforms and fundraising-incentive walls, and ensuring the smooth running of the official Livestream.
Overall Director
Grey Chapin
Assistant Director of Internal Communications
Anabella Fernandez
Assistant Director of External Communications
Rylie Pryor
Assistant Director of Social Media
Lainey Shapiro
Captains
Brooke Backof | Sofia Amoroso | Sofia Castaneda-Castellanos | Elizabeth Mallard | Taylor Dean | Sarah Abisror | Alexa Gingold | Alyza Dooley | Skylar Bons | Logan Feldman | Lexie Tantleff | Kaylee McCarthy | Lily Waldshan
The Recruitment Team is responsible for the recruitment of Miracle Makers, Kirstyn’s Krew, Captains, Emerging Leaders, and Organizations to participate in Dance Marathon at UF. Throughout the year, Captains will work with and give presentations to various external organizations, including those who are not currently a part of Dance Marathon, in order to expand our campus involvement. One of the main goals is to find new ways to support other organizations the way they support us. Captains will also utilize flyers about our cause across campus, working to convey the Miracles that Dance Marathon at UF creates and how each student can give back to their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. During the Main Event, Captains will lead tours for visitors of various organizations and families to show the culmination of hard work from the year. Each Recruitment Captain will additionally connect our Faculty and Staff to our year long engagement opportunities and organize events such as Faculty Appreciation Week. Recruitment Captains are integral parts of the movement as they inspire and create leaders in our community, all while raising awareness about Dance Marathon at UF and its purpose.
The Emerging Leaders Program aims to cultivate the leadership skills of new members of the Dance Marathon community by providing hands-on activities, shadowing opportunities with other captain teams, and education about Dance Marathon at the University of Florida and Children's Miracle Network. The program strives to engage students who have a passion for helping others and who are passionate in our fight for a future without childhood illness.
Members of the Emerging Leaders Program will attend weekly small group meetings and monthly general body meetings. Throughout their small group meetings, Emerging Leaders will focus on completing diverse projects that inspire the Dance Marathon community, expanding their knowledge, leadership, and personal fundraising efforts, and participating in bonding with like-minded peers. At general body meetings, Emerging Leaders will have the opportunity to learn more about the goals and efforts of Dance Marathon, hear inspiring stories from our Miracle Families, and gain exposure to prominent speakers from the University of Florida and the Gainesville community.
During the Main Event, Emerging Leaders will have the ability to use the skills they’ve learned throughout the year to participate in various leadership opportunities as well as enjoy the Main Event from different perspectives.
2024 Emerging Leaders
Abby Neal
Abhay Thungathurthi
Abigail Lofstead
Abigail Stafford
Ahimsan Sivasekaran
Alessandra Dunn
Alexandra Saclayan
Alexia Bello
Alissa Gonzalez-Mir
Ally McGill
Amberina Khoja
Ana Luiza Queiroz Damo
Angela Hanna
Anissa Moraille
Annette Concepcion
Annie Frost
Anthony Soenhnlein
Ashley Buckley
Ava Mariani
Ava Eckstein-Schoemann
Avery Collada
Avery Thieman
Bianca Filippone
Bruna Pereira
Catlin Neumann
Caitlyn Galvez
Camden Crews
Carli Fitzpatrick
Carolina Paz
Caroline Fuss
Caroline Morris
Catherine Hanania
Charlee Childers
Chase LaGrande
Chloe Hutt
Christopher Hays
Claire Dean
Dakota Moss
Daniela Frank-Fernandez
Daniela San Martin
Elisa Perez-Mena
Elise Chapman
Elizabeth Mallard
Elizaveta Ivanova
Ella Fedewa
Ella Hartle
Ella Zucchero
Ellen Cocurull
Ellie Alvis
Elysse Sanchez
Emely Almendarez
Emilee Hass
Emily Celestrin
Emma Fetter
Emma Joyner
Emma Michalski
Emma Shellard
Erin Mooney
Eryn Klaus
Eva Sutton
Evelyn McDaniel
Fernando Santiago Balsalobre
Gabriel Sengelmann
Gabriela Castro
Gabriela Wisz
Gabriella Paredes
Gavin Winkler
Genesis Rodriguez
Genevieve Lujan
Georgia Little
Grace Nesbit
Haley Black
Haley Hinkle
Haley Randolph
Halsey Fore
Haven Copeland
Heather Thomas
Hudson Fry
Illeana West
Isabella Gomes
Isabella Ward
Isabelle Azambuja
Isabelle Rosado
Izzy Garcia
Jackson Ferlan
Jacob Bousky
Jenna Bell
Jennifer Lynfatt
Jesse Zelahy
Jessie Haller
Jillian Jones
Jocelyn Riley
Jocelyn Salpeter
Jordyn Klein
Julia Cherwony
Julianna Tran
Julianne Jane
Justien Nguyen
Karishma Advani
Katelyn Uzila
Katherine Anderson
Katherine Timmins
Katrina Langer
Kayla Flores
Kendall O'Connor
Kiersten Grimes
Kristina Vela
Kyle Kuhn
Kyle Silverstain
Kyra Jones
Lauren Woodhouse
Layna Hood
Liam Knowles
Lilah Edwards
Lindsay Nattis
Lindsey Perry
Luisa Peralta
Macey Warring
Madeline Walsh
Madisyn Moore
Mallory Loge
Marianna Mendoza
Marisa Fabian
Marisa Ricks
Mary Chase Germain
Matthew Anderson
Meg Orie
Meghan Dunlap
Mia Corigliano
Mollie Kron
Morgan Kronlage
Naseh Sukhera
Natalie Mann
Naydelin Trejo
Nicole Barroso
Olivia Book
Olivia Martinez
Olivia Rodriguez
Raaghuv Nandur
Rachel Leiter
Rachel Yavner
Rebecca Beer
Rebekah Zuckerman
Riley Taylor
Rylee Brown
Ryleigh Gray
Sabrina Gomez
Samantha Mirer
Samantha Puma
Samantha Santo
Samantha Squires
Samuel Mento
Sarah Broe
Sarah Eisenberg
Sarah Thomas
Shannon Detert
Skylar Bons
Sofia Amoroso
Sofia Bostic
Sophia Monsalve
Sophia Ode
Spencer Sturman
Stella Monforte
Surleen Sahni
Sydney Holderman
Sydney Ohs
Sydney Sever
Sydney Shapiro
Sydney Stresen-Reuter
Sydney Yee
Tamille Hutson
Thomas Chicles
Victoria Hurles
Victoria Rios
Vladimir Handjiev
William Cioffi
What Is A Miracle Maker?
Dance Marathon at the University of Florida is an annual event benefiting the patients of UF Health Shands Children's Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. Each year, students stay awake and on their feet, if able, to raise money and awareness for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
As a Miracle Maker, you will experience one of UF’s most adored traditions. Throughout the duration of the Main Event, you will learn our Linedance, enjoy live entertainment, eat delicious food from our local Sponsors, and hear inspiring stories from our Miracle Families.
In addition to standing, if able, for the duration of the Main Event, Miracle Makers will have year-long activities to take part in such as a Miracle Maker Retreat, Registered Miracle Maker Workshops, bonding with their internal Organization and more!
Please email Raegan DiRenzo, Dancer Engagement Overall Director, at rdirenzo@floridadm.org with any questions!
Yes, you must be enrolled as a student during the Spring semester in which Dance Marathon takes place. This also applies to those registered with UF who are doing an internship in place of classes.
You do not have to be in an Organization to register to be a Miracle Maker. You can register as an individual using the link under Miracle Maker Resources; individual Miracle Makers will be placed onto the Gator Aides team. Gator Aides is a team that allows individual Miracle Makers to participate in Dance Marathon at UF with a group although they are not registered with an Organization.
Register to be a Miracle Maker
Follow the link and select “Buy Tickets!” Once you complete your registration, a Dance Marathon Captain will reach out to you with further details.
To be a Miracle Maker, participants must be enrolled as students at the University of Florida during the spring semester. This includes students who are enrolled but may have an internship in place of classes.
Registering to be aMiracle Maker is not the same thing as registering to fundraise. Anyone may register to fundraise at any time throughout the year, but Miracle Maker Registration is only open for the two-week period in the Fall and in the Spring.
You may register to be a Miracle Maker with an Organization team or as an individual. If you are a member of an Organization that does not currently participate in Dance Marathon, you may start a team by registering on DonorDrive.
Please note: registration does not guarantee Miracle Maker spots. Miracle Maker spots are allocated in the Spring based off of Organizational or individual achievements.
Miracle Making as an Individual
You have the option to register to be a Miracle Maker as an individual. When registering to be a Miracle Maker, it will ask you which Organization you are participating with, and there will be an option that says “Participating as an Individual.” Once you complete your registration, a Dance Marathon Captain will reach out to you with further details.
Individual Miracle Makers are placed on a team called Gator Aides. Being a part of Gator Aides will allow you to make connections with other individual Miracle Makers as well as our Miracle Children. Gator Aides have additional opportunities, meetings, and events throughout the year you can choose to attend that will allow you to become even more involved in our cause.
If you have any questions about Miracle Making as an individual or the Gator Aides team, please contact the Recruitment Overall Director, Ava Orlando, at aorlando@floridadm.org.
Kirstyn's Krew
General Information
Kirstyn’s Krew is a program that honors Kirstyn Tripp, our Miracle Child who lost her battle to childhood illness in 2018. Kirstyn's Krew allows students to experience Dance Marathon at the University of Florida from a different perspective and learn more about our fight to end pediatric illness.
As a member of Kirstyn’s Krew, throughout the year, participants will experience all that Dance Marathon at UF has to offer and celebrate the Miracles we make together for the children at UF Health Shands Children's Hospital. You will have the opportunity to participate in all DM at UF events, as well as events only open to Kirstyn's Krew, such as bonding events with the Tripp Family.
At the Main Event, you will be permitted to attend a 6-hour shift on either March 26th or March 27th. The shift will consist of a private teaching of the Linedance by our Morale team, various activities around the O’Dome, and an opportunity to hear from and get to know Kirstyn’s family. Kirstyn’s Krew will have a rolling application that requires a $13 minimum fundraising amount on your personal fundraising page. The $13 is raised in honor of her life and the amazing impact she made on our Organization and everyone in her life.
Please email Mary Kate Arbuckle, Recruitment Overall Director, at marbuckle@floridadm.org with any questions!
*Note: You cannot be on Kirstyn’s Krew and a Dance Marathon Captain Team.
Organizations
A variety of University of Florida affeliated Organizations participate in Dance Marathon every year!
Organizations are the backbone of our philanthropy, and we are always looking for more people to join our family! If you would like to get your organization involved with Dance Marathon, please contact the Recruitment Overall, Ava Orlando, at aorlando@floridadm.org.
Below are the Organizations currently involved in Dance Marathon at UF 2023:
