MEET THE 2019 EXECUTIVE BOARD AND WHY WE'RE FTK!
Executive Directors
Taylor Ott: I am For The Kids because everyone deserves a chance at achieving their dreams. Dance Marathon is a fundraiser that I have been a part of for 3 years and I could not be more happy to be a part of it. It brings everyone together to raise money for the children at St. Louis Children's Hospital and Cardinal Glennon. Kids deserve to live a happy and healthy life and the money we raise for them helps them do fun activities and makes them happy when they aren't having the best days! They make me realize to never take anything for granted and always be grateful for what you have.
Maddie Sokolik: I am FTK because every kid deserves more good days than bad. Dance Marathon is such an amazing event which brings everyone together all for one cause- the kids. All kids deserve to experience a happy and heathy childhood. Events like dance marathon help make that happen. It’s such an incredible experience being on exec board all working together to make a difference for these kids and I can’t wait to see everyone’s hard work in action on the day of the event!
Faculty Sponsors
Mrs. Blank: I'm FTK because my daughter was in the NICU for 5 weeks when she was born, and I'm in awe of the people and programs dedicated to the care of children and the miracles they make happen!
Mr. Farrell: I am FTK because every life is precious! We all deserve to live a life of dignity and I hope that Ladue DM will help bring hope to every child and family touched by the efforts of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals of Greater St. Louis!
Dancer Relations
Fundraising
Social Media and Technology
Finance
Hans Mueller: I am FTK is because throughout my years at Ladue I have had several friends with disabilities. I’ve seen that it can be hard for them to feel apart of a group that treats them differently because of their disability. I saw dance marathon as a perfect way to give every child a chance to just feel like a normal kid. Nothing makes me happier than seeing a child’s face at Dance marathon light up while they are dancing or meeting a new friend. It’s amazing to know that the money we are fundraising is helping that cause day in and day out.
Kashish Dhawan: I’m FTK because seeing the impact that DM has on the lives of these kids and their families has inspired me to do everything I can to contribute to their important cause. The kids are resilient and strong and they deserve the world! They go through so much and working to support them and give them hope is such a rewarding experience.
Lauren Cedergreen: I am FTK because I believe that every kid deserves a chance to have an amazing and happy life. When I first heard the stories from the miracle families, I knew I wanted to be a part of dance marathon. CMN is a wonderful organization, and I want to do what I can to help improve the kids lives. The kids are so strong fighting their battles, it is extremely important to me that we come together to make a difference.
Jamie Korenblat: I am FTK because no child should have to go through what they do, so if I could help in the littlest bit that is very beneficial to me. I started dance marathon freshman year and I’m so happy with the organization I continued with it. Getting to help out these kids and making them smile makes me smile
Claire Long: I’m FTK because raising money for the kids in our community and making a difference in their lives is very important to me. Hearing their stories makes me want to help them even more and make a difference in their lives.
Emerson Barnett: I am FTK so children and their families can be sure they are not alone in their fight. It’s important they know we are here to fight with them and support them in anything they need.
Bradford Siwak: I'm FTK because children who aren't well haven't gotten the chance to get as much out of life as the rest of us. I think we should work to make their lives the happiest they can be!
Elliot Loitman:I am for the kids because coming together under a common goal of supporting the lives and health of sick children is unbeatable. Also, hearing the stories from the children themselves makes you realize why it is that you’re on your feet for six hours and time flies when you’re having fun, and you would never even know that you were on your feet for that long because you’re so swept up in the hype of it all. Lastly, the miracle kids are phenomenal human beings, and who doesn’t love adorable kids?
Morale
Caroline Bernstein: I am FTK because every kid should have the ability to live their life to the fullest. The money raised contributes to improving these kids' lives in so many different ways. I want to do everything in my power to help.
Jackson Bry: I am FTK because every kid deserves the chance to be a kid. Children's Miracle Network provides kids in hospitals with things that make them feel like kids. Things like music therapy, art supplies and a ton of support when they go through treatments, which every kid should have.
Entertainment
Madison Grady: I’m FTK because I’ve been blessed enough to have good health all throughout my youth and consequently a childhood where I could just be a normal kid. Unfortunately, other kids do not have that same luxury so I work hard to give these kids the childhood that they deserve. Kids with illnesses shouldn’t have to spend their childhoods cooped up in a hospital, they deserve to be able to have the same opportunities as other kids do. I am FTK because so many kids are fighting through diseases and the least I can do is ensure that their childhood is like any other child’s, filled with joy.
Ria Dharnidharka: I am FTK because I want every kid to have a childhood filled with happy memories and experiences. By being a part of DM, we can help CMN make that happen while kids are fighting illnesses. The money we raise gives kids the chance to be kids.
Logistics
Sarah Suffian: I am FTK because I have seen how the efforts through Ladue DM have impacted the lives of the children and families at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Cardinal Glennon. These kids are amazing and it is important that we help make their tough days even a little better! Seeing their smiling faces at the event makes it all worth it!
Schuyler Wolf: I am FTK because no kid deserves to spend their childhood in a hospital. With the money we raise through Dance Marathon, we are able to make the patients’ time at the hospital more enjoyable. I am so grateful for the opportunity to help improve these kids’ lives.
Crew
Jack Vanlandingham: I am FTK is because throughout my years at Ladue I have had several friends with disabilities. I’ve seen that it can be hard for them to feel apart of a group that treats them differently because of their disability. I saw dance marathon as a perfect way to give every child a chance to just feel like a normal kid. Nothing makes me happier than seeing a child’s face at Dance marathon light up while they are dancing or meeting a new friend. It’s amazing to know that the money we are fundraising is helping that cause day in and day out.
Caroline Powell: I‘m FTK because everyone should have the opportunity to have a childhood. CNM helps sick children get the care they need, so they can live a healthy and happy life. I want to do my part to help such a wonderful organization make a difference in the lives of these children and their families.
Miracle Family Relations
Erin Turkieltaub: I am FTK because nothing is worse then being sick, especially when you are a kid. By being a part of Dance Marathon I get to work towards making the lives of these kids better. CMN is an amazing organization and I am so lucky to be a part of it.
Grace Lane: I am FTK because I believe that every child deserves to live their life to the fullest, despite whatever health conditions they may have. Dance Marathon brightens so many children's lives, and helps to bring each child the gift of happiness.
Tyler Deutsch: I am FTK because I want to make kids having a rough time happier. Kids in hospitals deserve a childhood like any other kid and DM makes that a possibility.