Thank you to all of the sponsors, dancers, and volunteers who made the 6th Annual STRIVE Rocks! Dance Marathon another success!

This year's event helped raise over $30,000 for STRIVE, which continues to make this the most successful fundraising event in STRIVE history!

On March 6th and 7th, 2010, 400 high school and college aged students from across Southern Maine joined forces at the USM Sullivan Gym for one purpose--to dance their hearts out for STRIVE!  Over the course of the 14 hour dance marathon, participants enjoyed:

• Performances from EastWave Radio, The Sea Captains, and El Grande, 
• A Hip hop lesson from Dance Studio of Maine
• 10 hours of the best music from DJ Jrob and DJ Sugar Cane
• Psychic Readings from Jeri Breen and Sue Yarmey
• Henna from Mary of The Eye of Henna
• Inflatable Fun from One Stop Party Shoppe and the US National Guard
• Dance Dance Revolution from LetsGo! Maine
• A Special Appearance from Slugger and Reddy
• Theme Hours
• Rock Band and Guitar Hero
• Wheel of Fortune Pinball from Skillful Home Vending
• Prizes from Subway, Yankee Lanes, Club 21, Acapello Salon & Spa, Newbury Comics
• Tons of Food
• & more!

Participants not only worked hard in dancing the night away, they spent January through March fundraising money for our STRIVE programs.  All dancers were required to raise $70 (pre-registration) or $100 (standard registration), and some dancers went above and beyond the requirements to gain huge support for our STRIVE programs!

The 2010 TOP FUNDRAISERS:

1. Chandler Hawkes--$1615
             Deering H.S.  (First Place 3rd year in a row)
             Won a $500 College Scholarship from Portland Kiwanis
2. Allison McCorry--$1287
             Volunteer
             Won 2 Red Sox Tickets
3. Kathleen Shevenell--$1005
             STRIVE U Student
             Won a foot spa, Manicure at Acapello Salon, and $30 to Club 21
4. Eric Hughes--$755
             STRIVE U Student
             Won an Ipod and Docking Station
5. Sarah Brown--$700
             Volunteer
             Won a Red Claws Autographed Basketball and 2 Red Claws Tickets
6. Noel Thompson--$550
             STRIVE U Alumni
             Won a 5 Disc Changer and Surround Sound

 Over 15 high schools were represented at the Dance Marathon, but our most represented schools were:

1. Deering High School
2. Scarborough High School
3. Cape Elizabeth High School

Thank you for showing such great school and STRIVE spirit!

 Please take a few minutes to fill out our 2010 Dance Marathon survey.  Your responses will help us make the 2011 DM even bigger, better, and more fun!  Click here to take survey

The 7th Annual STRIVE ROCKS! Dance Marathon will be here before you know it!

Mark your calendars now: March 5th & 6th 2011! Get a jump start on the fun by registering online NOW at http://www.firstgiving.com/strive

Want to get involved in the 2011 Dance Marathon? Here are some resources to get you a jump start!

What is Dance Marathon?

The STRIVE Rocks Dance Marathon is the largest 14 hour dance-off of its kind in Maine. As STRIVE's largest fundraiser, the Dance Marathon (DM) raised $30,000 for STRIVE in 2010!  All money raised benefits our STRIVE programs for over 600 teens and young adults with developmental disabilities and helps us provide social, recreational, educational, and vocational opportunities for our members. While the participants play a huge role in raising funds from January-March and finally dancing their hearts out at the DM, this event would not be possible without our many volunteers. Over 30 students/volunteers work all winter organizing events prior to and during the marathon and preparing for the 400+ dancers.

When is Dance Marathon?

The 2011 STRIVE Rocks Dance Marathon will be held on March 5 & 6, 2011. This 14 hour dance will be held at the USM Sullivan Gym in Portland. The DM kicks off at 8:00pm on the 5th and will end at 10:00am, on the 6th.

How Can I pariticpate in the DM?

Want to dance? You can dance individually or in teams of up to six. This year dancers who turn their packets in before February 12 must raise $70, and those who wait to turn in their packets after February 12th must raise $100. Prizes are awarded to the top fundraisers! Pledge packets will become available January 8th! Participants must fill out three forms before dancing: Emergency Medical Form, Registration Form, and a Release Form. All DM forms can be picked up at the STRIVE Center in South Portland, requested via email, or printed off our website (see bottom of page)! Participants can also fill out registration forms online at www.firstgiving.com/strive.

Questions: Contact STRIVE at info@pslstrive.org or check out the frequenlty asked questions page. Want to Volunteer? There are numerous volunteer opportunties available during this event, so if you can't be a dancer, contact STRIVE Volunteer Coordinator Kristina Smalley at ksmalley@pslservices.org to get involved.

Make your own Donation Page!

STRIVE dancers can make their own dancer donation page online! Visit www.firstgiving.com/strive to make your page.

10 Steps to Gain Support

We have some great tips for gaining support for the dance marathon, read more here!

Registration Forms