The first ever HuskyTHON (named the Midnight Marathon at the time) in 1999 raised $13,878. Last year, HuskyTHON 2023 raised a total of $1,480,255.77! In the last 24 years, HuskyTHON has raised over $10 million towards making a difference in the lives of Connecticut Children’s patients, families, and friends.
As Executive Director, I oversee everything related to HuskyTHON and work directly with faculty and staff from UConn, Connecticut Children’s, and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. I also create and run all HuskyTHON initiatives as well as interact and help with/give feedback to all members of our 32 person Management Team on all projects.
I lead a diverse group of first year dancers throughout the year and introduce these rising leaders to the magical world of HuskyTHON. I also integrate fresh perspectives into the planning and innovation of HuskyTHON 2024.
As the Director of Media, I am the human behind the HuskyTHON website. I communicate with the rest of the Management Team to ensure I make the necessary edits to keep it updated. I also capture content for the HuskyTHON Instagram, shooting pictures and videos at all our events. I am responsible for editing and producing all hype reels, promotional videos, informational videos, recap videos, and the campaign video. Lastly, I am in charge of running the HuskyTHON TikTok.
I oversee all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for HuskyTHON as well as educate and spread awareness about DEI. I lead the DEI Committee and work to make our community welcoming and safe for our participants. I also work to provide accommodations for our participants during Night Of to ensure that our dance marathon is inclusive to everyone.
We maintain all contact between HuskyTHON and Connecticut Children’s as well as help the HuskyTHON community develop their ‘Why’ through workshops and campus events! We also plan events for our Miracle Children such as the Miracle Kids’ Favorite Things Fashion Show and our Talent Show on Night Of. Additionally, we promote Cause Connection throughout the year to inspire others and promote a community of unity.
I work with all UConn Alumni and send monthly newsletters to keep the Alumni informed on all things HuskyTHON. I plan events for Alumni to help keep the HuskyTHON spirit alive past their years at UConn. I also work with our faculty advisor to plan and conduct outreach to our Alumni Network.
I plan and oversee all outreach to organizations and people outside of the UConn community on behalf of HuskyTHON. I communicate with UConn faculty and administration as well and work closely with Connecticut Children’s and our hospital advisor. I also support the Director’s of JonaTHONs, Hospital Relations, Alumni Relations, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion!
We facilitate communication between the Management Team and Dancer Representatives. We also help Dancer Representatives develop fundraising, strategies, communicate with their teams, and boost team morale.
As the Creative Director, I work with all directors on the Management Team for their graphic design needs. I create all graphics posted on HuskyTHON social media platforms as well as design HuskyTHON materials including fundraising toolkits, informational packets, donation cans, and more!
I am responsible for planning, designing and organizing the merchandise and apparel students, donors and families can purchase throughout the year (including shirts for Night-Of). Additionally, I organize an online store and multiple pop-up shops during the year to sell our goods, and determine units and pricing for all merchandise! I also work closely with the Communications Team to creatively spread our message on campus and beyond.
I oversee all of HuskyTHON branding, messaging, social media, and public relations. I create and lead effective campaigns and advertise events year-round. I interact with media contacts and news organizations to spread awareness of HuskyTHON throughout the state. Additionally, I support the Directors of Marketing, Media, Creative, and Merchandise and Apparel.
I work with everyone on the Management Team to advertise events, fundraisers, and news. I also oversee and post on the Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to get word out about all things HuskyTHON related. As Director of Marketing, I create and implement campaigns and social media initiatives to engage participants throughout the year.
I help facilitate all donations both physical and online and anything money related. I work closely with our Corporate Partners and utilize tracking documents to accurately reflect our total fundraising efforts throughout the year. I also support the Finance Team Directors!
I create strong connections with local companies to develop longstanding partnerships. I research possible new companies to partner with and conduct outreach to connect with them. Additionally, I communicate professionally with companies in order for both parties to get the most out of our partnership.
I coordinate and lead the Canning Program by creating general and incentive-based canning documents. I also create relationships with local and chain businesses across Connecticut to obtain canning dates. Similarly, I develop the Canning Program to expand state-wide reach and avenues of fundraising.
I plan and oversee the execution of all of our fundraisers, fundraising initiatives, entertainment (activities, performers, etc.), special events, food, and fundraisers/donations. I plan and run 18 hours of magical fun for our Night-Of celebration. I also support the Directors of Strategic Fundraising, Entertainment, Special Events and Volunteers, and Hospitality!
I provide entertainment for all 18 hours of our dance marathon. I work with vendors, DJs, musicians, and other entertainers. Additionally, I collaborate with the Management Team to secure entertainment that is needed throughout the year.
I brainstorm and organize fundraising initiatives that the entire HuskyTHON community is able to utilize in order to reach their personal fundraising goals. I also act as a resource for all individuals in addition to teams in finding fundraising strategies that work best for them.
I coordinate food donations and incentives for Night-Of and various fundraisers throughout the school year. I assist other members of the Management Team in ensuring that meals are provided at all necessary events.
I brainstorm, plan, and execute special events throughout the year, such as ZumbaTHON and the Silent Auction. I also create new events to engage our growing community as well as coordinate volunteers for Night-Of and other events.
I facilitate the registration of HuskyTHON participants and am responsible for outreach, registrant participation, and engagement. I plan and lead all specialized weeks such as Registration Week and Participant Appreciation Week. I also support the Directors of Morale, Dancer Relations, Campus Affairs, and HuskyTHON Rising Leaders!
We choreograph and teach the 10 minute Morale Mix for Night-Of. We also lead a team of over 100 Morale Captains as well as lead strategic fundraising initiatives within the Morale Team. We lead the Morale Team to encourage participation throughout the HuskyTHON and UConn communities.
We act as liaisons between the general body and the Management Team to ensure every dancer and organization is supported. We reach out to other student organizations to ensure all our dancers represent the UConn community’s diverse backgrounds and values. We also try to reach as many areas of campus as possible to get involved and learn about HuskyTHON.
As the Director of Alumni Relations, I am responsible for all things involving our many alumni. I work with my captains to help plan alumni events, keep our alumni up to date on all things HuskyTHON, and I am the main liaison between the Management Team and our Alumni Board. My goal is to try and keep the HuskyTHON spirit alive and well for all our alumni no matter where their post graduate life has taken them.
I am so excited to be Director of HuskyTHON Rising Leaders this year! In this role, I am responsible for leading our emerging leaders program of first year dancers by planning meetings and being the liaison between the Rising Leaders and the Management Team. I work alongside my captains to brainstorm and execute orientation, meet and greets and workshops for 30 eager and passionate Rising Leaders. I am so lucky to take on this role to build and inspire the future of HuskyTHON through these incredible first year dancers, and I can’t wait to see all the miracles they make!
Graduate Hotels is a well-crafted collection of hotels that reside in the most dynamic university towns across the country. Every site and property celebrates and commemorates the youthful optimism of school days and cultivates the spirit of each community in a bright new way. Their new location, Graduate Storrs, is set right here on the University of Connecticut campus and is an easy walk to the best spots in Storrs. The hotel is the perfect home base for Husky game days, campus visits and more. And they are pet-friendly!We are so excited to partner with Graduate Hotels this year and proud to have their support of our mission here at HuskyTHON. A special thanks to them for sponsoring our registration week as well!
What is your favorite color?
“Glitter” -Emma
HuskyTHON has changed my life, as I’m sure it has changed many of yours. Spending three years on the management team taught me many things, but spending three minutes listening to the story of a child from CT Children’s has taught me just as much. What I have walked away from HuskyTHON with, and what I hope other students will gain, is the mentality to be absolutely relentless.
You hear it over and over during the miracle stories, about how these kids never gave up. They are survivors, champions, and true inspirations to us all. Bennett. Olivia. Becca. All incredible children with remarkable stories, children who have persevered through some of the toughest challenges and conquered insurmountable odds. No doubt, they are special. Their stories are what inspired me to get out of bed every morning and gave me perspective on my own life.
Not only in your work with HuskyTHON, but in all that you do, I hope you will be equally relentless. Dream those wonderful dreams, make big plans, and work tirelessly. Smash through your goals and then keep going!
Always FTK,
Vanessa
What is his favorite song to dance to?
“All songs. Corey loves music and dancing.” – Corey’s Parents
If you could meet one person in the whole wide world, from any time ever, who would it be and why?
“Maddie Ziegler from Dance Mom’s because she is a great dancer and really nice to every one.” -Ashleigh
What do you want to be when you grow up?
“Oncology nurse or doctor at Connecticut Children’s” -Charlotte
If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?
“Mom’s homemade pierogi and goat cheese pizza from Camille’s” -Quinn
If you can meet one person in the whole wide world, from any time ever, who would it be and why?
“Rapunzel, so I can play with and brush her hair” -Lily
