Acceptance, kindness and opportunity for heroic individuals with Down syndrome took center stage for 30 straight hours at the 2017 Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM). A record breaking event, NUDM raised $1,253.596 million for GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers; also for Evanston Community Foundation. This year’s record fundraising results are just over $50,000 more than the 2016 total.

For 30 inspirational hours, over 1,000 student dancers and dozens of student production teams united for a more accepting, generous and kind world. And for 9 months prior to the event, 25 mature, visionary and dedicated student leaders served on the NUDM executive committee to plan this year’s extravaganza, coach dancers on fundraising and help TEACH students about GiGi’s Playhouse mission. Many students spent time at Playhouses as well as with “hero families” at on-campus gatherings and festivities.

Funds raised by NUDM will be restricted investments to help GiGi’s Playhouse in the launch or expansion of VITAL programs like speech and language therapy, GiGiFit exercise and nutrition, mobile programming for rural and inner-city families, literacy and math tutoring, and expanded volunteer training; all of which will profoundly impact individuals with Down syndrome and their families for years to come.

From GiGi’s Playhouse Founder and “Chief Belief Officer” Nancy Gianni: “Our first Northwestern University Dance Marathon grant was submitted in 2009. Though it was declined, the grant became our first strategic plan! At that time we only had 4 locations and 1 employee. NUDM was absolutely correct in turning us down, and yet NUDM made GiGi’s Playhouse stronger every year! Every year you allowed me to dream about what I would do with a million dollars and then, even though you would turn me down, I still tried to make those dreams happen every year. YOU made me stronger, YOU made me grow, YOU challenged me to be better. And now here we are! My message to you and to everyone is NEVER GIVE UP!”

“We feel like its message, entirely based in the celebration of diversity and of our differences, is something that is particularly needed right now,” DM executive co-chair Jenny Halpern told The Daily. “And so it’s felt very timely and we feel really lucky to be pouring so much energy and effort into a cause like this.”

The quote “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you” represents the very essence of NUDM. The professionalism, talents and character of all students involved reinforce that greater acceptance is within reach. The best of Generation G took many forms during the 30 hours of dancing and connecting. Some students courageously self-identified and spoke openly about their own differences. All participating students demonstrated incredible perseverance, creativity and compassion in their commitments to improve so many lives.

On behalf of GiGi’s Playhouse and all families who will benefit from program investments: “Thank you once again to everyone who contributed to NUDM for your trust, leadership and character. Your acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome and anyone who looks or feels differently will change lives today and future generations tomorrow. Thank you for believing. Thank you for caring. Never stop dancing. Keep changing the world.”