The 49th annual South High Marathon Dance will be held on March 6-7. Last year, the dance raised $700,528.31 for 31 individuals and organizations, bringing the 48-year total to more than $12 million raised for over 700 beneficiaries from within South Glens Falls as well as many surrounding communities.
After reviewing many applications, the student committee has selected the following as beneficiaries of SHMD 2026:
The families of…
Isaac Amell
Paul Cianfrocco
Chris Davies Jr
Karen Emmons
Christopher Fowler
Anne Gates
Joelle Gifford
Ryker Goodsell
Larry Isaac
Carrie LaNoir
Gilbert B. Mills, Jr. “Gibby”
William (Bill) Nace
Annelies “Poppy” Parkinson
Logan Quartiers
Amanda Speciale & Family
Cheyanne Steves
Randy Sumner
Jolene Varney
Rebekah White- Gorton
Stephen C. Wolfe
Gabrielle Wright
Community Organizations…
Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York
Ben Osborn Memorial Fund
Capital Region Toys for Tots
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Northeastern New York
Food for Thought Upstate Inc.
Goodness Strong Foundation
Historical Society of Moreau and South Glens Falls
Ian’s Reach
Live Like Liv Foundation
Moreau Emergency Squad, Inc.
No Empty Bowls
Rebuilding Together Saratoga County
Saratoga Center for the Family
Sleep in Heavenly Peace - NY, Mechanicville Chapter
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park
The Marathon Dance Event, Supported Throughout the School Community
The 2026 Marathon Dance will be held on March 6-7 at the South Glens Falls Senior High School. Opening ceremonies will begin at 7:00 p.m. Friday evening. Community members can donate to the dance in a variety of ways. Each of the approximately 650 students signed up to participate is required to collect a minimum of $175. You can choose to donate to an individual student’s total online, or the Marathon Dance in general, through the “Donate” tab on our website at www.shmd.org. The district’s middle and elementary schools also conduct various Marathon Dance fundraising activities. Fifth graders and certain middle schoolers even have their own time slot to participate at SHMD!
Donating Goods and Services to SHMD
Members of the community and business owners can donate items to be auctioned during the dance itself. All Live and Silent Auction donations must be received no later than Friday, Feb. 6. To donate an with the state of New York as a charitable corporation and has been determined by the IRS to be a public charity under section 501 (c) (3). Accordingly, all donations are tax-deductible.
Community Fundraising Events
At the time of this release, a number of events benefitting SHMD 2026 are already scheduled and listed below. More will be added. For additional information regarding these fundraisers, and to learn of new events as they are established, visit our website at www.shmd.org or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SHMDInc. All fundraising activities are subject to approval by the South High Marathon Dance Committee. If you find that an activity is not posted and want to verify its legitimacy or if you are interested in conducting an event, please contact us at Events@SHMD.org. All fundraising activities or events, the use of the South High Marathon Dance (SHMD) name, icons, images and logos are subject to approval of the Corporation. Any event or fundraiser raising money for a specific student’s fundraising goal MUST also receive approval, and clearly state on all flyers and advertisements that the proceeds of said activity will be attributed to that student’s total, this includes money jars at businesses.
Kingpin’s Alley – January 10, Feb 21
Battle for the Bridge – January 31
St. Michaels Breakfast – February 1
The Fun Spot - February 17
Dancing Grain – February 20
Wilton Firehouse Spaghetti Dinner February 28
Creative Styles Salon March 1
Common Roots – March 5
Additional Fundraisers (DATES TBD)
Clean It Out Containers
Cuddle Bugs Boutique
Mark’s Hometown’cue
Stinky’s Coffee
Talk of the Town
Texas Roadhouse
Activities and fundraising during the dance
Many fundraising activities are conducted at the dance itself. Activities include the annual cut-a-thon which will take place throughout the weekend, as well as the sale of Marathon Dance apparel, photos, hair wraps, face painting, ice cream, and more. The 50/50 raffle annually pays out multiple $500 prizes. The concession stand provides a variety of food and beverage options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The live and silent auctions also take place during the dance with a selection of items donated by local businesses and individuals. The silent auction begins Friday evening and ends early Saturday evening, followed by the live auction which begins at 6 p.m.
Visiting the Marathon Dance March 6-7
This event is open to the public, from 5 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, March 6. Parents of Elementary and Middle School students may enter with their children at 8-10 a.m. respectively on Saturday, March 7, with the rest of the public entering at 11 a.m. Only registered participants, and others as indicated in the official schedule, are permitted on the gym floor. Additionally, seating is limited in the main Bulldog gym where the dance takes place; spectators may be directed to alternate viewing areas. Information regarding parking and shuttle buses will be available on our website and Facebook page.
We hope that you will be able to join us for this wonderful event. It is a truly moving experience to witness a community that comes together to help those in need. Please be sure to visit our website at www.shmd.org, and follow us on social media (Facebook: South High Marathon Dance Inc., TikTok: @shmdnow, and Instagram:@southhighmarathondance) for additional information and to view the Marathon Dance live the weekend of the event!
Student Chair Committee
Anthony Cooper
Dominic Keegan
Eric Miller Jr.
Kaiden Moore
Lucy Pliscofsky
Parker Simon
SHMD Board of Directors
Dan Albert
Dan Buckley
Gus Carayiannis
Caitlin Hogan
Mary Mann
Kristin Osborn
Christine Yakush