PORTLAND – Music pounded from the speakers as dozens of dancers moved to the beat at the University of Southern Maine’s Sullivan gym Sunday morning.

At 7 a.m., the energy level remained high even though the dancers were 11 hours into a 12-hour dance marathon.

“I am just a little tired,” said J.J. Sarapas, 27, of South Portland.

Sarapas was among 150 people who boogied the night away at the eighth STRIVE Dance Marathon. This year the marathon raised a record $41,293, up $10,000 over last year’s event. The money goes to fund activities at STRIVE, an organization that provides programs for more than 600 teenagers and young adults with developmental disabilities.

More than 500 people took part or helped out during the event, including 17 high schools, many with Key Clubs that raise money for STRIVE and many STRIVE members. The marathon featured inflatable play structures, pool tables, a Jersey Shore dance hour, prizes such as drumsticks autographed by Tre Cool of Green Day, tables stacked with snacks, and coolers spilling over with drinks.

“It is awesome. I am not tired a bit,” said Andrew McIver, 19, of Portland, who raised $400 in pledges.

Peter Brown, STRIVE program director, said fundraising supports 75 percent of the organization’s budget. “A lot of what we do cannot be funded with Medicaid,” he said.

Scarborough High School students Mary Cleary, 16, Marissa Stahl-Hodgkins, 15, Alex Ray, 15, Amanda Fitzpatrick, 15, and Melissa Massengill said the event was a great way to raise money and have fun together. They came dressed in silly costumes, including Cleary in an orangutan outfit fashioned by her mother.

“This is the perfect occasion to wear it,” Cleary said.

“And you don’t get many,” Fitzpatrick added.

Rosemary Goranites of Cumberland, who helped staff the event for the eighth year in a row, said she was feeling a bit tired, but also proud of her son Jeff Goranites, 29, of Portland, who scored the Green Day drum sticks as second-highest pledge raiser.

“I love being with the young people. It keeps me feeling young, too,” Goranites said.

With just minutes to go until the end, Erica Gervais, 25, of Portland sat slumped on the bleachers where others were stretched out.

“I am tired,” she announced.

Gervais, who raised $1,000 at the marathon, said she knew what she would be doing very shortly.

“I am going home to take a nap,” she said.

Staff Writer Beth Quimby can be contacted at 791-6363 or at:

bquimby@pressherald.com