In hopes of expanding its fundraising efforts, RhodyTHON wants to search for a bigger location to house its dance marathon scheduled for March 23, 2025.
RhodyTHON is a student-run program that raises money for children being treated at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. While the larger program is through the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and aids hospitals throughout the United States, RhodyTHON events are run solely by University of Rhode Island students.
Its theme this academic year is “Giddy-up for Change,” according to the RhodyTHON Instagram . This theme will weave through the organization’s events throughout the end of the fall semester and into spring. RhodyTHON’s main event is its March dance marathon.
In the past, the RhodyTHON’s dance marathon has been located at the Mackal Field House on the university’s Kingston Campus, Isabella Leggett, the executive director, said. Leggett said that they want to find a different location this year to increase participation.
Monthly events are still in the planning stage, Leggett said. Since the start of this academic year, they are focusing on fundraising $3,000 for treatment.
Every Monday, RhodyTHON meets to execute its events, including a Top Golf fundraiser and a “friendsgiving” for the children at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, according to Leggett.
RhodyTHON also has booths on campus where all money collected goes to their senate account, Leggett said. Then, through a donor drive platform, the money is given to Hasbro Children’s Hospital.
After a “push week” dedicated to attracting new members from Oct. 21 to Oct. 24, RhodyTHON increased in registration. They have over 100 student participants as of the end of that week.
RhodyTHON also hopes to connect with other student organizations and receive fundraising support, according to Leggett. In discussing possible connections, Leggett mentioned Greek life specifically.
Greek life has events similar to RhodyTHON, according to Leggett. Instead of asking if Greek Life members could come to RhodyTHON events, RhodyTHON asks them to help assist in running them.
RhodyTHON and Greek Life took part in the October competition for Gansett Nutrition of Mariner Square, Greek Life executive board member Abby Forget said. Gansett Nutrition of Mariner Square is a restaurant that sells milkshakes, tea and coffee. In the competition, whoever raised the most money received 70% of the funds.
RhodyTHON and Greek Life put together a pumpkin painting event with the children at Hasbro Children’s Hospital to celebrate Halloween, Forget said.
“I just love being involved with the kids,” Forget said.
Future event plans are still in the works, Forget said. One idea is a pickleball or dodgeball tournament, where the “Giddyup for Change” theme would be present.
“[RhodyTHON] just wants to put on the most exciting and fun experience for everyone,” Forget said.
More information on future events can be found at RhodyTHON’s Instagram page @rhodython .