HuskyTHON Breaks Records in 2025 and Raises $2,102,853.03 for Connecticut Children’s!
HuskyTHON 2025 made history at the University of Connecticut. This student-led, yearlong fundraising effort’s main goal was to “Change the Tide.” They accomplished this goal and made waves by raising an incredible $2.1 million and engaging over 4,700 participants in its 26th annual 18-hour dance marathon.
At the beginning of each fundraising year, members of the HuskyTHON Management Team develop a campaign theme that guides and serves as a compass for the rest of the year. The 2025 campaign was “Change the Tide,” following HuskyTHON’s 2024 campaign, “Build the Moment.” These campaigns inspire and drive the community all year long and instill a common goal in donors, participants, and miracle families alike.
The momentum behind this achievement does not build overnight. From the moment one year’s Night-Of ends, preparation for the next begins. Throughout the year, HuskyTHON’s internal team, including their 32-person Management Team that leads all program efforts, come together to engage in multiple events, campaigns, and outreach efforts to keep the whole UConn campus energized and involved. Among the most impactful of these initiatives are “Push Days.” These are pre-planned, high-energy fundraising days that HuskyTHON leaders design to rally participants and maximize donations within 24 hours.
Two of the largest Push Days in HuskyTHON 2025 were Unite as One Day in mid-November, with an incredible $199,481.30 raised, and Day of Strength in late February, which raised an astounding $451,515.95. These days generate significant fundraising momentum, build community spirit, and remind participants of the cause at the heart of their efforts: the children and families treated at Connecticut Children’s. On Push Days, participants are encouraged to meet personal fundraising goals, contribute to team challenges, motivate their fellow HuskyTHON community members, and share stories of Miracle Families that inspire our efforts.
The record-breaking number of participants in HuskyTHON 2025 did not happen by chance; it resulted from thoughtful planning and intentional efforts to build awareness and excitement across campus. The HuskyTHON Management Team organized a series of engaging initiatives to encourage students to register early and start fundraising. Two of the most impactful registration efforts were Kickoff and Reg Week. Kickoff occurs during move-in weekend to engage incoming and returning students as UConn welcomes them onto campus. Reg Week is typically held in mid-September when students are settling into the rhythm of the semester. The internal team for HuskyTHON hosts these initiatives in order to get as many students registered in a 5-day period as possible.
HuskyTHON leaders design these events to promote registration and introduce students, especially first-year students and new participants, to the mission of HuskyTHON and the energetic community behind it. From tabling on campus to offering incentives, such as free merchandise, social media shoutouts or gift cards, the organization works hard to make registration exciting and accessible! These early push days play a crucial role in setting the tone for the year and ensuring that students feel motivated and supported from the beginning of their HuskyTHON journey.
The monumental success of HuskyTHON 2025 is a testament to the power of collaboration, consistent dedication, and the unwavering belief that passionate students can make a real difference. This year, they didn’t just raise funds and increase engagement; they caused a tidal shift powered by purpose. In uniting behind a common cause, the HuskyTHON community proved that when students come together with heart and passion, they can Change the Tide, and, with it, the future of children’s health.