It’s time for University of Texas students to break out all of those trendy YouTube dances that make their parents roll their eyes as the Texas Thon dance marathon shuffles its way back to the Gregory Gym this weekend. “We like to say that bad dancing saves lives,” Natalie Weston, Texas Thon’s Vice President of Advancement told Fox 7. The event takes place this Sunday from 10am to 10pm and includes 12 hours of activities, a special dance at the top of the hour, food, special appearances by UT athletes, and no-you don’t have to dance the entire time.
There’s a lot more to the event than a way for students to enjoy a break from studying; the event benefits Dell Children’s Medical Center, with the beneficiaries and their families highlighted at the event from 2-4pm with a red carpet entrance. “We’re instilling a lifelong culture of philanthropy in these students…who will most likely be the philanthropic leaders of their communities in the future,” said Lauren Caton, Texas Thon President.
The dance marathon is the group’s largest fundraiser of the year, but they provide services to patients and their families throughout the year, including taking some of the kids to UT basketball games.
Non-students can $5 per hour visitors pass, with students who participate earning at least $100 for the nonprofit. For those who can make it out, you can donate directly on their website to support their efforts.
About Texas THON:
Texas THON is a student-run philanthropy sponsored by the Division of Recreation Sports at The University of Texas that raises awareness and funds for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, right here in Austin. As the largest student-run philanthropy in the state of Texas, we strive to make BIG miracles.
