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On April 25th, 2026, Eastlake Middle School and the supporting community will celebrate Autism Awareness Month with its 15th annual twelve hour dance marathon. In April 2025, more than 130 6th-8th grade (11-14 year old) students committed to dance and stand on their feet from noon until midnight, without any breaks to sit down and rest, while learning more about autism. Each student raises $75 or more in sponsorships to be a part of this amazing event. All proceeds from the event go towards local autism initiatives. Adapted from Penn State’s “Thon,” which raises money to fight pediatric cancer, “NESS” was started in 2010 by the EMS student council to create awareness of the prevalence of autism, while raising money to help fund opportunities and programming to support autistic individuals in our local community. Since its inception, the mission of NESS has expanded to foster acceptance and inclusion for the autistic and neurodivergent individuals in our community. To date, the Autism AwareNESS dance-a-thon has raised over $175,000 for autism research and programming.
We could not hold this event if it were not for people, organizations and businesses as generous as you have been! This event is run primarily on donations from the community, and again this year, we are asking for any donations possible. Monetary, food, or beverage donations are all appreciated to help sustain the dancer’s energy for 12 hours. Every bit counts! More specifically we request gallon (or larger) bottled water, powdered Gatorade, granola bars and other healthy snacks (please no fruit snacks or raisins). Checks should be made out to Eastlake Middle School with NESS on the memo line. All companies will be recognized in our brochure that is handed out to all attendees and dancers.
Donations can be dropped off at Eastlake Middle School (35972 Lakeshore Blvd; Eastlake, OH) from 7:30 am – 4pm, or we can arrange a pick up if that better suits your needs. We invite you to attend the event to see your contributions and selfless students in action! Donations are taken at the door.
If you would like to make a donation or have any questions, please contact:
Angela Minichello: [email protected] or
Ellen Murfey: [email protected]
Thank you so much for your continued support of our NESS Dance!
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Event Venue
Eastlake Middle School, 35972 Lake Shore Blvd,Eastlake, Ohio, United States
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