F-M students raise $101,000 for Camp Good Days and Special Times

Fayetteville-Manlius High School students recently spent 12 hours on the dance floor, and with good reason: to raise money for young children whose lives have been impacted by cancer.

The 29th annual Fayetteville-Manlius High School Dance Marathon fundraiser – or “DM” as it’s referred to on campus – recently raised $101,000, which will help send 126 children affected by cancer to a special summer camp located on Keuka Lake and operated by Camp Good Days and Special Times.

The 12-hour fundraiser took place March 16 at F-M High School. The event featured student bands and performances, as well as games and activities. It was the final fundraiser for the campaign.

Members of F-M High School’s student council organize the event each year and choose Dance Marathon MCs (masters of ceremony) after auditions earlier in the school year. While each student is required to raise a minimum of $60 to participate in the event, many students raised much more, some by going door-to-door in the community to secure donations.

Donors were also able to make online contributions, and donations were made directly to Camp Good Days in the name of F-M. Local businesses also contributed to the student-driven campaign.

It costs about $800 to send a child to camp, and many students aim to meet or exceed that amount. Last year’s event raised $94,000 for the local organization.

This is a group photo of F-M students who participated in this year's Dance Marathon

Fayetteville-Manlius High School students recently raised $101,000 for young children whose lives have been impacted by cancer.