History of DM at FSU
In its 30th year, Dance Marathon at FSU marked a historic milestone with the inspiring yearlong campaign, When We Believe. This theme reflected the heart of our movement: the unshakable belief that when we come together with purpose, passion, and hope, we can create lasting change. Over three decades, our community has grown stronger, more determined, and more united in our mission to support the children and families who need us most. This year, our belief fueled every step, every story, and every donation. With pride and gratitude, we celebrate an extraordinary total of $1,334,457.78, a powerful reminder of all that is possible When We Believe.
In its 29th year, Dance Marathon at FSU proudly carried forward our legacy of resilience and hope through the yearlong campaign, Dream For Tomorrow. This theme served as a powerful reminder of our collective belief in a brighter future for the children and families we serve. As our organization continued to evolve and grow, we remained grounded in our purpose: to be a source of strength, joy, and unwavering support. Through every dancer's effort, every dollar raised, and every moment shared, we honored that dream. Together, we raised a total of $1,240,058.81, a testament to the enduring spirit of our community and the future we are building, one miracle at a time.
In its 28th year, Dance Marathon at FSU proudly celebrated the remarkable perseverance of all participants in the face of challenges through our yearlong campaign, "We'll Be There." Amidst the process of adapting our organization to the post-covid era, we remain steadfast in our commitment to show up for our kids and beneficiaries. Our dedication paid off as we raised an extraordinary total of $1,308,578.28.
Dance Marathon at FSU celebrated our 27th year with our yearlong campaign "No Matter What", signifying the perseverance of all participants in continuing to fight For The Kids regardless of challenges. We had our Marathon at the Civic Center again after a 2 year interlude due to covid-19, and we raised an amazing total of $1,554,156.14.
Year 26 marked the first year we did not have a fully in-person marathon due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, we held a hybrid Marathon with virtual events as well as socially distanced in-person events on FSU's intramural fields and in the FSU Civic Center parking lot! Although there were many challenges, we persevered "Against All Odds" to have another amazing year of Dance Marathon, raising $1,470,210.69.
We celebrated our 25th Anniversary year by implementing many new traditions. Leave Your Legacy, a 24 hour fundraising push, was added into our yearly programming in January 2020. Local Tallahassee middle schools also joined our movement through our Community Marathons team. The past known as “Dancer Minimum” was changed to a Dancer Commitment, which focuses on the commitment that each of our participants are making For The Kids. Our year long campaign ‘We Will Fight’ highlighted the incredible fight of our movement. We raised $1,941,368.54 For The Kids.
Dance Marathon at FSU continues to break records, raising $2.1 million in 2018. The year long campaign was changed to ‘Up 2 Us’ along with the 2 million dollar goal release. The InspiratioNOLE Leaders Program was created, along with the brand new Dancer Relations Branch; consisting of Recruitment, Membership, Morale, and Outreach. This was the first year that the College of Medicine was given over 1 million dollars.
Dance Marathon at FSU raises a record breaking total of $1,100,645.52, and surpassing the million dollar mark. Pictured above is the 2014-2015 Executive Board. This year was also the beginning of implementing Dance Marathon into local High Schools, as well as the first year of our tradition, Florida Statement.
In 2014, past (2007) Executive Director, Vinny Bocchino passed away of a sudden heart attack. Vinny left an immense impact on our organization, hence the Vinny Award was created. Fundraising milestone, “Comma Club” was implemented and is now being used in Dance Marathon’s all across the country. In 2014, we raised $767,125.84.
DM at FSU began in 1995 and was held in Tully Gym. $19,001.37 was raised, and the creators of our movement never thought that this tradition would continue for 25 years and grow to our current heights.
Dance Marathon at FSU continues onto another year, gaining more participants and more awareness throughout our student body.
Learn more about the history of Dance Marathon at Florida State University below.



