Celebrating HuskyTHON’s 25th Anniversary

Written by: Paige Carroll, HuskyTHON 2024 Director of Marketing

Over the last 25 years, the University of Connecticut (UConn) community has ignited an extraordinary passion for generations of students to experience through HuskyTHON. As the largest Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon in the Northeast, HuskyTHON has raised over $12 million for Connecticut Children’s and has become the health system’s largest third-party fundraiser. In its first official year, HuskyTHON raised $13,878 and kick-started a movement for generations to come. Twenty-four years later, HuskyTHON 2023 raised $1.48 million, making more miracles possible in and outside of Connecticut Children’s.

HuskyTHON has continued to break records each year, highlighting the passion and dedication of its nearly 4,000 participants. In November 2024, HuskyTHON held its annual Unite as One Day, in which the community was challenged to come together and fundraise to support those who need us most. In less than 24 hours, the HuskyTHON community raised $175,517.56, breaking another record and strengthening what many participants now call the “HuskyTHON Home.”

The HuskyTHON community consists of several participant types that shape the success of the organization and highlight participants’ ongoing unconditional support. HuskyTHON has become a home for many of its participants: a place to develop interpersonal skills, challenge yourself to go beyond your expectations, and always have a friend to stand by your side.

The HuskyTHON 2024 campaign, Build the Moment, is rooted in the community’s deep connection to the fight against childhood illness. The battles fought by the children and families of Connecticut Children’s are not battles to be fought alone, and, for 25 years, HuskyTHON has proven that they will never be alone. Spreading HuskyTHON magic across the UConn campus, HuskyTHON hosts several fundraising events throughout the year and has even invited the Miracle Kids and families to attend several of the events, an opportunity not possible since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Every moment that the HuskyTHON community shares in preparation for Night-Of 2024 fuels the passion that can be seen in each and every participant and allows HuskyTHON to remain resilient for years to come.

Interested in learning more about HuskyTHON 2024? Visit huskython.org for more information.