Dance Marathon is a student run fundraiser where Niles North/West students raise money for a different charity every year. This year's primary benificiary is Special Gifts Theatre. Here is some more information about what Special Gifts Theatre does:

Mission Statement

To provide children and teens with special needs, a unique, creative drama experience enabling personal growth while breaking down stereotypes related to disabilities within the community at large

Ultimate Goal

Our ultimate goal is to create specific opportunities for children and teens, with and without special needs, to work together. Mainstreaming is encouraged whenever students i have developed the appropriate social and artistic skills necessary to succeed. Based on this premise, SGT’s goals include developing creative abilities, building friendships and providing disability awareness by breaking down stereotypes about disabilities.

Core Values

We make a difference in the lives of everyone we touch!
What we do has a profound, positive and lasting impact on the lives of every student, every mentor, every volunteer and every audience member we come in contact with.

We do it one individual at a time!
While the programming is organized in group classes, we focus on each student as an individual whose potential can be unlocked through individual attention.

Everything is done with respect and compassion!
We treat every student with special needs, every mentor, every volunteer and every special gifts staff person with the utmost respect and compassion.

We celebrate success at every turn!