RockeTHON rocks, brings in more than $140,000 for local hospital

April 25, 2016 | Events, News, UToday
By Staff



For 13-hours April 16, some 1,400 UT students danced and raised $147,530.82
for the Children’s Miracle Network.

That exceeded this year’s goal of raising $130,000 and was almost a 40 percent increase from last year’s total of $106,081.24.

Even Rocksy got into the groove at the big dance party.

Even Rocksy got into the groove at the big dance party.

Since 2001, RockeTHON has raised $918,330, and it all stays at local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, Mercy Children’s Hospital.

“It was absolutely incredible to see all of the hard work of the students come together on that day,” said Sean Reck, a senior majoring in chemical engineering and 2015-16 RockeTHON overall director. “Not only did the event set a new bar for this program, so did the final value raised.”

At the event, students were able to participate in a line dance, play on inflatables, and ride a mechanical bull, as well as participate in different intramural events and theme hours.

RockeTHON executive board members proudly held up the final fundraising number: $147,530.82 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, Mercy Children’s Hospital in Toledo.

RockeTHON executive board members proudly held up the final fundraising number: $147,530.82 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, Mercy Children’s Hospital in Toledo.

Throughout the day, the participants, including the UT football team and Head Coach Jason Candle, were able to play with Miracle Children from Mercy Children’s Hospital and listen to the stories of their time in the hospital and their battles with medical issues.

“We come out every year, and I can’t believe how many college kids give up their day for the kids and for the hospital,” Rhonda Carr, mother of two Miracle Children, said. “It is an awesome thing. We look forward to it every year.”

Julianne Putano, the newly appointed 2016-17 RockeTHON overall director, said she feels that this year has given the event the fuel for next year. “The potential for this organization is limitless, and I’m so excited to see what our team can accomplish.”

To keep updated with the mission of RockeTHON and fundraisers happening throughout the year, visit rockethon.org or follow @UTRockeTHON.

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