You may have noticed that there’s a surprising amount of neon green being sported around UT’s Main Campus. From pins, to fanny packs, to tutus, all emblazoned with the motto FTK, or “for the kids.”
Apparel is just one way that students support RockeTHON, The University of Toledo’s Dance Marathon. The event, which benefits the Mercy Children’s Hospital, is celebrating 16 years on UT’s campus, and the $970,000 that has been raised over this time.
As part of the Miracle Network Dance Marathon, UT is one of more than 300 universities and colleges across the country to hold dance marathons benefitting Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.
“It is the largest student-run philanthropy event on campus,” said Julianne Putano, overall director of RockeTHON. “Our mission is to create miracles for sick children in our community by raising funds and awareness for Toledo’s local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. We are able to see the impact that we make on a local level, and throughout the years, we have helped hundreds of families. All of the money that we raise goes to providing crucial treatments, programs and equipment for the children who are treated at Mercy Children’s Hospital.”
As for the motto, Putano explained: “The RockeTHON team is committed to being FTK, for the kids, 365 days a year. We work hard all year long to not only put on an amazing 13-hour dance marathon, but to fundraise as much as we can for the hospital. Through our dance marathon, we are able to meet many of the children and families who have been impacted by what we do, and they are our motivation. They are the strongest, bravest and happiest people we have ever met, so we do everything we can to support them and Mercy Children’s Hospital.”
Putano encouraged students and faculty to continue donating to the RockeTHON drive, stating that her team needs all the help they can get to reach their goal of raising $200,000.
Through the many events and fundraisers held by those involved with RockeTHON, the passion that they have for this cause is evident.
“Joining this organization was the best decision I made during my college career, and I am so humbled to be surrounded by the most selfless and determined people I have ever met,” Putano said. “Our team consists of almost 100 students who are all passionate about making a difference and creating miracles for the kids.”
RockeTHON will be held Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. in Savage Arena. To register or donate, click here.
