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, Dancer, 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.
Dancer: Dancers 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 $30 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 2024.
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 Applications Now Closed
Captain Application Now Closed
Emerging Leaders Application Now Closed
Ambassador Application Rolling Applications
If you have any questions regarding applications, please reach out to our Membership Manager, Toni JeBailey, at tjebailey@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 Dancer buddies prior to the Event for each Dancer
Work with their Fundraising and Organization Development Captain to encourage and help Dancers fundraise at the Event
Relay important information to Dancers throughout the Event
Be available for Dancers in case of emergency
Ambassadors are also encouraged to be Dancers if they choose and are eligible for free Dancer 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 Fundraising & Organizational Development Overall, Dilon Bruncaj, at dbruncaj@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 Fundraising & Organizational Development Overall will not be able to get in contact with you unless you email them to let him 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 Community 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, Dance Marathon Alumni (DMA), and the broader Gainesville community. The servant leaders of this team focus on creating lasting relationships with our Community Partners by engaging in regular volunteering events and planning organization-wide service days, including but not limited to Giving Tuesday. The members of this team connect our Faculty and Staff, Members’ Families, and Dance Marathon Alumni to our yearlong engagements and organize events such as Faculty Appreciation Week, Family Weekend, and DMA Weekend. This team brings together this entire community by planning the annual Miracle Gala, a formal occasion during the main event where we honor outstanding members of the DM community and hold Raise The Paddle.
Overall Director
Aria Patel
Assistant Director of Community Engagement
Sonali Vijay
Assistant Director of University Relations
Bella Fogarty
Assistant Director of Logistics
Gabby Williams
Captains
Adele Dorion |
Alexandra Polo |
Campbell Crews |
Catherine Hardy |
Chiara Bell |
Danielle Work |
David Zaibert |
Elizabeth Holcombe |
Gabriella Caito |
Gabrielle Proulx |
Grace Carreno |
Jenna Hentrich |
Kylie Katims |
Lani Tudor-Dodd |
Maggie McGuane |
Maya Hershkowitz |
Miles Jeffares |
Miranda Benjamin |
Neal Desai |
Nicolas Gonzalez |
Ryan Brosnahan |
Serena Thomas
The Dancer Relations Team is responsible for welcoming and communicating with Dancers by hosting Check-Ins, tracking Dancer involvement and providing a year long experience for Dancers through events and other engagement throughout the year. DR Captains work alongside the Recruitment Team to help register Dancers during registration pushes. Captains will be responsible for a group of Dancers that they will communicate with to promote all DM at UF and Dancer events or opportunities. Captains are expected to attend Check-Ins on Wednesdays in Turlington, where they will Check in Dancers, log their Spirit Points, help with the Check-Ins activity, and spread the word about DM at UF on campus. Dancer Relations also plans events and other engagement specifically for Dancers, which Captains will help execute! At the Main Event, their job is to Check in Dancers, encourage and support them throughout the 26.2 hours, and run swim/shower overnight. As a DR Captain, you are also expected to be a support system for your Dancers and be a resource to them throughout their entire DM at UF experience!
Overall Director
Ashleigh Churchill
Assistant Director of Check-Ins
Lauren Maya
Assistant Director of Dancer Engagement
Caroline Lee
Assistant Director of Internal Relations
Sabrina Kresse
Assistant Director of External Relations
Abbey Ladd
Captains
Abby Cohen |
Abigail Warren |
Alejandro Vela |
Alex Glazer |
Alice Bachman |
Andrew Lenneberg |
Ariana Feldman |
Bayley Edwards |
Bianca Ciancio |
Caitlyn McCoy |
Cameron Rosenthal |
Carley McCammon |
Carly Miller |
Carly Salk |
Claire Lebron |
Emily Kelly |
Gianna Spadavecchia |
Grace Press |
Holly Kaplan |
Julia Glacer |
Ka'Rena Burke |
Kate Hannah |
Kellie Kulp |
Kelsey Kettel |
Liam Farrell |
Liam Miller |
Lydia Kamp |
Madelyn Avergonzado |
Marielle Goldschlag |
Morgan Liotta |
Natalia Romano |
Rebecca Borissova |
Samantha Kormanyos |
Shaila Spritzer |
Taylor Mullen |
Tyler Bonnoront |
Whitney Dreyer |
Zoe Sakellarios
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
Lauren Nigri
Assistant Director of External Design
Sydney Wall
Assistant Director of Technology
Hailey Paek
Assistant Director of Internal Affairs
Sophie Gaer
Captains
Alicia Grant |
Ansley Goldstein |
Carolina Aranguiz Dias |
Chloe Greene |
Daniela Iturres |
Eric Hengber |
Heather Casto |
Ilise Hyams |
Jasmine Byrd |
Jayden Spitulnik |
Jennifer Purington |
Joshua Chin-You |
Julia Shafizadeh |
Katelyn King |
Katrina Ise |
Lily Cabrera |
Max Martin |
Natalie Kwak |
Paige Hamilton |
Rachel Glew |
Riley Shapiro |
Sade Whitcomb |
Zachary Grosswirth
The Family Relations Team Captains 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, coordinating the Pen Pal program between various groups, 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, Dancers, and the rest of the community.
Overall Director
Anne-Charles Zimmer
Assistant Director of Family Events
Hollen Parsons
Assistant Director of Family Outreach
Rachel Nattis
Assistant Director of Tracking
Dawson Geller
Assistant Director of Community
Mary Bennett
Captains
Abbey Lantinberg |
Abby McDade |
Alexa Diamond |
Alexa Miller |
Ally Salzberg |
Antonio Ponte |
Arie Y Eitani |
Ava Rechter |
Brooke Christopher |
Chloe Claxton |
Claire Weitz |
Emma Sugarman |
Gabriella Vogel |
Gabrielle Monk |
Grace Freeman |
Hadassah Sternfeld |
Halle Silver |
Hannah Kairab |
Jackie Bernstein |
Jackson Bond |
Jake Rattner |
Janelle Sumbeling |
Kaya Hall |
Kristen Russo |
Lilly Smith |
Lily Dvorchik |
Logan Black |
London Taylor |
Macy Monsour |
Matthew Strogach |
Nolan Anschuetz |
Olivia Daniel |
Paola Toro |
Parker Brown |
Patrick Kline |
Piper Dowdel |
Rachel Beer |
Riley Hearn |
Ryan Magee |
Samantha Litman |
Samara Becker |
Sazzad Mabud |
Shreya Shah |
Stella Hurwitz |
Taylor Doering |
Victoria Poliak |
Zoe Leitner
The Fundraising and Organization Development Team is both responsible for financial oversight of Dance Marathon at UF and the coordination of the Ambassador Program. This program provides student Organizations at UF the opportunity to develop their involvement in Dance Marathon at UF through their chosen Ambassadors. Each Captain is assigned several Ambassadors to work with throughout the year, acting as the liaison for the Organization to engage members, increase involvement, and provide concrete ways they can improve their fundraising capabilities. These Captains play an integral role in the success of Dance Marathon at UF by ensuring that their Ambassadors have updated and accurate information regarding their finance tracking, upcoming events and deadlines. Captains will lead weekly meetings with their assigned Ambassadors and are also expected to coordinate with the Family Relations and Dancer Relations Teams in regard to their Organization(s).
Overall Director
Dilon Bruncaj
Assistant Director of Organization Relations
Savannah Chalmers
Assistant Director of Fundraising Engagement
Irina Frangos
Assistant Director of Internal Operations
Daniel Dvorak
Assistant Director of External Operations
Andrew Kistner
Captains
Alexa Mazloff |
Alexis Pullos |
Ariana Martinez |
Ashley Alex |
Benjamin Lang |
Brooke Hollander |
Elijah Bloyer |
Elijah Freedman |
Gabriela Cruz |
Gabriella Peburn |
Jessica Cramer |
Mackenzie Kozlowski |
Morgan Emmi |
Nick Soviero |
Peter Koltis |
Ragavi Mahadevan |
Sean Doherty |
Zosia Czigany
The Hospitality Team works year-round with local restaurants to coordinate monthly Hospitality fundraising nights for Dance Marathon at UF. Captains spend a large portion of the year reaching out to large food corporations and local restaurants in the Gainesville area to coordinate donations and corporate sponsorships. Hospitality is responsible for all food-related needs for the 26.2-hour Main Event and all community events throughout the year. Captains will help serve food at Dance Marathon at UF events and will Check in attendees of our Hospitality Nights. The Hospitality Team also hosts an annual food-themed event for our Miracle Children, called Miracle Kitchen. Captains plan, solicit, and serve a continuous flow of food to all participants for the duration of the 26.2-hour Main Event.
Overall Director
Ava Peiser
Assistant Director of Hospitality Events
Adam Birnbaum
Assistant Director of Hospitality Nights
Rhyan Tappan
Assistant Director of Stewardship
Natalya Escobar
Assistant Director of Internal Relations
Maddy Schain
Captains
Adam Paroff |
Alex Licht |
Annie Ross |
Brianna Upson |
Caroline Patterson |
Catherine Morris |
Christian Jubran |
Courtney Carter |
Ella Russo |
Hadley Miller |
Haley Strauch |
Ian Tajalli |
Jessie Squadrito |
Julia Saltzstein |
Leah Rison |
Mackendrick Zavitz |
Morgan Page |
Parker Hershkowitz |
Reagan Doucette |
Sarah Klein
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
Emma Kate Joiner
Assistant Director of Development
Megan Blankenship
Assistant Director of Engagement
Michael Behling
Assistant Director of Outreach
Sophia Linale
Assistant Director of Tracking
Madelyn Debski
Captains
Alyssa Fennen |
Ashley James |
Ava Carter |
Cristyl Rodriguez |
Daniela Villarreal |
Emily Brundage |
Emma Ackerman |
Gabriela Verez |
Grace Anderson |
Grace Krantzberg |
Haley Jones |
Isabella Kabacinski |
Isabella Spagnolo |
Jadelyn Daniels |
Joey Sheiner |
Joshua Song |
Kaden Powell |
Kylie Davison |
Laynee Plawa |
Mackenzie Gale |
Madylin Morse |
Mandy Eastwood |
Margaret McMahan |
Maya Vaidya |
Morgan Zvolska |
Natalie Ehrenwerth |
Rachel Talley |
Rebecca Reich |
Ryan Boyle |
Sean Behling |
Sophia Cuna |
William Lynfatt
The Marathon Relations Team Captains 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
Jackie Aloumanis
Assistant Director of Established Programs
Lexi Devescovi
Assistant Director of Evolving Programs
Abby Ferrell
Assistant Director of New Programs
Gabriella Petillo
Assistant Director of Finance and Sponsorships
Skylar Finkel
Assistant Director of Projects and Communications
Isabella Smedley
Captains
Alexa Katz |
Allison Pace |
Amina Mubarak |
Ava Iuliani |
Berkeley Brown |
Efthymia Copulos |
Emma Bissell |
Faith Giambalvo |
Grace Grier |
Grace Nelson |
Jordyn Smith |
Kayleigh Gallo |
Leandro Rodriguez |
Lindsay Hersh |
Madelyn Scaringe |
Madison Elman |
Matthew Lehman |
Molly Taylor |
Shannon Manning |
Sophia Spata |
Taylor Callaway |
Tiffany Cain
The Merchandise Team The Merchandise Captain 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
Kalie Wright
Assistant Director of Inventory and Incentives
Macy Thompson
Assistant Director of Fundraising
Jazlyn Yarbrough
Assistant Director of Internal Operations
Grant Meece
Assistant Director of Stores and Mini Marathons
Isabel Acosta
Captains
Abby Thibodeau |
Abigayle Watson |
Alexandra Kaye |
Alexandra Levine |
Ashlyn Kyser |
Camille Robinson |
Chloe Lindow |
Elise Christensen |
Emma Arigo |
Ezequiel Serrano |
Hailey Hartle |
Julia Scarton |
Katherine Snediker |
Kenya Jarrett |
Kenzie Hunt |
Lauren Klein |
Melody Alonso |
Morgan Mayhann |
Olivia Knier |
Perri Kisha |
Sarah Roth |
Sydney Corn
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 Dancers. 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
Filomena Selvanik
Assistant Director of Captain Relations
Jordan Cohan
Assistant Director of Event Planning
Brooke Micallef
Assistant Director of Fundraising
Ryan Beany
Assistant Director of Mini Marathon Coordination
Bronson Allemand
Captains
Amanda Fernandez |
Amit Sapir |
Anna Garst |
Annalee Watts |
Becca Harkins |
Brianna Ponce |
Casey Siner |
Cecilia Coleman |
Daniel Trethewey |
Delaney Kennedy |
Dylan Siegel |
Eileen Vara |
Emily Sanz |
Gina Fimiano |
Halle Prilik |
Hollyn O'Brien |
Josh Levin |
Joshua Waters |
Julia Mortensen |
Julia Zager |
Juliette Andrews |
Katie East |
Kylie Finkelstein |
Lauren Price |
Liliana Remillard |
Madelon Enneking |
Makenzie Cole |
Mary Grace Kelly |
Maxwell Schwartz |
Mistie Webb |
Natalie Saliwanchik |
Nina Rico |
Noa Pogany |
Olivia Caldara |
Peyten Hernandez |
Raina Khanna |
Samantha Guerrero |
Sean Campbell |
Shannon O'Neil |
Sophie Fakhouri |
Sydney Fialkow |
Sydney Kollas |
Zoe Donohoe
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.
Overall Director
Braden Romano
Assistant Director of Logistics
Arnav Barpujari
Assistant Director of Photography
Sophia Gonzalez
Assistant Director of Social Media
Ava Dinow
Assistant Director of Videography
Isabel Crist
Captains
Anais Ramentol |
Andrea Colon |
Anna Romanenko |
Ariel Rademeyer |
Ashley Dankese |
Caleb Harris |
Gabriella Aulisio |
Hailey Hurst |
Hayli Balgobin |
Jennifer Blardonis |
Jessica Kuehler |
Madilyn Gemme |
Madison Murray |
Marlee Wittner |
Meghan Wilbrett |
Mia Posada |
Noah Morrow |
Rachel Bernstein |
Rafael Pere |
Rebecca Salamon |
Riley Blair |
Sky Augusta |
Sydney Crenshaw |
Xiaotong Yu
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
Dylan Goodelle
Assistant Director of External Logistics
Tyler Hersch
Assistant Director of Internal Logistics
Emily Guerra
Assistant Director of Talent Relations
Caroline Eaton
Assistant Director of Fundraising
Nicole Molina
Captains
Adam Crasnow |
Andrew Salk |
Andrew Previte |
Angela Trinh |
Ashley Paek |
Aubree Robinson |
Ava Scammell |
Becca Michaels |
Bianca Arocha |
Dani Primerano |
Elizabeth Insuasti |
Georgette Suarez |
Inaya Siddiqui |
Jessica Borowski |
Josh Rosenblatt |
Katelyn Bates |
Leah Johnson |
Lillian Ghozali |
Madelyne Wirbel |
Meagan Long |
Ravi Patel |
RyLee Haugh |
Samantha Rees |
Tor Moncrieff
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.
The Recruitment Team is responsible for the recruitment of Dancers, 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.
Overall Director
Mary Kate Arbuckle
Assistant Director of Internal Operations
Raegan DiRenzo
Assistant Director of External Operations
Raelin Terrell
Assistant Director of Tracking
Madison St. Pierre
Captains
Addison Wooley |
Alexandra Longa |
Ariel Banfalvy |
Ava Orlando |
Daniela Velasquez |
Francesca Abarno |
Frankie Provenzano |
Isabella Duarte |
Isabella Duncan |
Isabella Gray |
Jordan Hartman |
Katherine McKeon |
Katie Piskun |
Lauren Kuller |
Lea Mattia |
Madison Daire |
Mia Filoramo |
Sam Jacobi |
Savannah Woods |
Sukhman Sidhu
The Sponsorships Team works yearlong to solicit businesses for monetary and in-kind item donations. Through reaching out to businesses, both local and national, Sponsorships Captains will build strong relationships with our sponsors, utilizing skills of leadership, communication, and stewardship. Captains are also responsible for organizing and working the Silent Auction at the Main Event as well as organizing Miracle Market in the spring.
Overall Director
Ryan Athay
Assistant Director of Logistics
Chris Keeble
Assistant Director of Outreach
Spencer Gary
Assistant Director of Stewardship
Jessica Winograd
Captains
Caleb Dandeneau |
Chloe Rubin |
Dylan Lyons |
Elle Lentz |
Hallie Miller |
Jaiden Lopes |
Joey Jung |
Joshua Brandt |
Kristina Guerra |
Liam Pattison |
Matthew Hill |
Remi Sanchez IV |
Ryan Blume |
Timothy Hodges |
Tyller Bauer |
Zachary Abrams
Program Description
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.
2023 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 Dancing?
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 Dancer, 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, Dancers will have year-long activities to take part in such as a Dancer Retreat, Registered Dancer Workshops, bonding with their internal Organization and more!
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 Dance. You can register as an individual using the link under Dancer Resources; individual Dancers will be placed onto the Gator Aides team. Gator Aides is a team that allows individual Dancers to participate in Dance Marathon at UF with a group although they are not registered with an Organization.
Follow the link and select “Buy Tickets!” Once you complete your registration, a Dance Marathon Captain will reach out to you with further details.
Dancer Registration for Dance Marathon is open for two weeks in the Fall and two weeks in the Spring. To be a Dancer, 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 dance is not the same thing as registering to fundraise. Anyone may register to fundraise at any time throughout the year, but Dancer Registration is only open for the two-week period in the Fall and in the Spring.
You may register to dance 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 Dancer spots. Dancer spots are allocated in the Spring based off of Organizational or individual achievements.
Dancing as an Individual
You have the option to register to Dance as an individual. When registering to Dance, 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 Dancers are placed on a team called Gator Aides. Being a part of Gator Aides will allow you to make connections with other individual Dancers 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 dancing as an individual or the Gator Aides team, please contact the Recruitment Overall Director, Mary Kate Arbuckle, at marbuckle@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, Mary Kate Arbuckle, at marbuckle@floridadm.org.
Below are the Organizations currently involved in Dance Marathon at UF 2023:
Alpha Chi Omega
Delta Delta Delta
Kappa Alpha Theta
Sigma Chi
Alpha Delta Pi
Delta Gamma
Kappa Delta
Sigma Kappa
Alpha Epsilon Phi
Delta Nu Zeta
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Sigma Nu
Alpha Epsilon Pi
Delta Phi Epsilon
Kappa Phi Epsilon
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Alpha Gamma Rho
Delta Sigma Phi
Kappa Sigma
Society of Women Engineers
Alpha Omicron Pi
Delta Tau Delta
Lamba Chi Alpha
Tau Epsilon Phi
Alpha Phi
Delta Zeta
Omega Phi Alpha
Tau Kappa Epsilon
Alpha Tau Omega
Florida Cicerones
Phi Delta Theta
The Gator Aides
Beta Theta Pi
Footprints: Buddy and Support Program
Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society
Theta Alpha
Black Student Union
Gamma Eta
Phi Kappa Tau
Theta Chi
Brazilian Student Association (BRASA)
Gamma Phi Beta
Phi Mu
Theta Tau
Catholic Gators
Gator E Sports
Pi Beta Phi
UF Honors Program
Chi Omega
Hispanic Student Association
Pi Kappa Alpha
UF Pre-Physician Assistant Association
Chi Phi
Innovation Academy
Pi Lamba Phi
Zeta Beta Tau
College of Pharmacy
Kappa Alpha Order
Pre-Legal Honor Society
Zeta Tau Alpha
Service
Dance Marathon at UF aims to support the community which gives so much to our cause by uplifting local non-profits and service organizations, our Community Partners, throughout the year! DM at UF offers service opportunities for our members to engage with these Community Partners year round and earn spirit points.
If you are interested in becoming a Community Partner or have any questions, please contact our Community Outreach Overall Director, Aria Patel at
apatel@floridadm.org.
Volunteer Dates
Check back soon!
Meet our Community Partners:
Meet our Community Partners! These non-profit and service organizations help better the lives of those who live in the Gainesville Community, the community which gives so much to Dance Marathon at UF. As an organization whose goal is to create change, we hope to uplift our Community Partners throughout the year.
