Eighth Annual Saint Andrew's Dance Marathon Sets New Fundraising Record

The Eighth Annual Saint Andrew’s Dance Marathon (SADM) took place on Friday, February 20, and concluded with record-breaking success. Although the year is not yet over, SADM has already set a new school record, raising $38,176.26 and counting.

“This year’s program reflected extraordinary leadership and collaboration across grade levels, with students ranging from freshmen to seniors contributing meaningfully to its success,” said SADM advisor and US Faculty Victoria Zingarelli. “Their commitment, organization, and passion led to one of the most impactful years in the history of the program.”

Throughout the year, SADM expanded its reach across all campus divisions, strengthening student engagement and deepening its connection to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Signature initiatives included the Second Annual Lower School Family Movie Night and the first-ever Lower School Power Hour held prior to the Upper School main event. In the Middle and Upper Schools, students organized multiple fundraisers, including a Crumbl Cookie fundraiser, a Book Fair benefiting Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, and a poster-making activity for the main event during the Scotty Bowl.

The organization also hosted its first Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Toy Drive in partnership with Whitehall Condominiums of Camino Real, collecting an impressive 241 toys. In addition, SADM coordinated its first field trip to the hospital for students interested in pursuing medical careers, further strengthening the connection between fundraising efforts and real-world impact. Partnerships with student organizations such as SASSA, The Wholesome Baking Club, the French Club, and Grade 5 fostered collaboration and a shared sense of purpose across campus. Grade 5 donated $4,033.21 of their Business Fair profits to SADM.

Beyond events and fundraising, SADM contributed meaningfully to the school’s Chapel program in February. Ariana Moya Vargas ’27 delivered a moving Chapel Talk about overcoming a serious back injury that once threatened her swimming career, made possible through the care and support she received at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “Thanks to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, I experienced pet therapy, had someone who sang songs with me every day, and a group of professionals who truly cared about my recovery and my process.” She continued, “Thanks to that hospital, I swam again. I competed again. I became myself again—and even better, with a stronger mindset and the most optimistic outlook you could imagine.” Her testimony provided a moving, firsthand reminder of the hospital’s life-changing work and reinforced the mission that drives SADM’s efforts.

A defining moment of the main event came with the presence of Miracle Child Jaxon Budnik and his family, who attended the Lower School Power Hour and the opening of the Upper School program. Their attendance brought the event's purpose into sharp focus and served as a powerful reminder of the lives the community’s commitment impacts.

Resident Life Director for SADM, Zsigmond Williams ’27, reflected on that moment, saying, “One of the biggest highlights for me was seeing Jaxon at the event.” He added, “Watching him be able to enjoy the moment and seeing the joy around him was incredibly meaningful and honestly one of the happiest parts of the entire experience.” For Zsigmond, the experience reinforced why events like SADM matter and demonstrated the powerful impact a united community can have.

Morale Director Sydney Ellis ’26 also emphasized the growth and spirit of this year’s program. “One of the biggest highlights for me in SADM was seeing increased participation and school spirit,” she said. She continued, “It felt meaningful to help create an environment where more students felt included and excited to raise money for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, especially hearing families’ stories.” Being part of something larger than herself and witnessing the impact unfold in real time, she explained, has been one of the most important aspects of her SADM experience.

Beyond fundraising, SADM strengthened its partnership with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, expanded student leadership opportunities, fostered collaboration across divisions, and built a deeper sense of campus-wide unity. This year’s Dance Marathon was not only record-breaking in dollars raised, but transformational in purpose, engagement, and impact.

SADM is still actively raising money and would like to surpass $40,000 for the year. You can support them in this goal by clicking here.