RockeTHON Dance Marathon: UToledo Unites to Support Nationwide Children’s Hospital
- The Collegian
- 14 hours ago
- 2 min read
By: Lauren York, Aidden Johnson
TOLEDO, Ohio – The University of Toledo and families from the Children’s Miracle Network came together for the RockeTHON Dance Marathon to raise funds for the local Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
This year’s event took place on Feb. 22, marking the 25th anniversary of RockeTHON. Since it's creation in 2001, RockeTHON has raised over $1 million for pediatric care.
For Alyssa Beach, RockeTHON’s Overall Director, the cause is extremely important as well as personal.
“I connected on a personal level. I grew up with a few medical issues, so connecting with philanthropy was really important to me,” Beach said. “I got to meet the families in person and discuss how much our funds are impacting their lives, which is really impactful.”
Beach emphasized that the funds raised go directly to the families who may struggle to afford treatments.
“It’s been an amazing year,” Beach said, crediting her executive board. “I just have to thank them.
The marathon isn’t just about the dancing or fun games; it’s a large event that gives the opportunity to bring many student organizations together, including the International Student Association (ISA), Greek Life, and professional fraternities and sororities.
“I love watching the university come together,” Beach said. “It’s such an impactful movement,to have everyone together for one day.”
Ella Grosteffon, Chi Omega’s Sisterhood Director, attended the RockeTHON event to support her sorority’s mission of helping children. Chi Omega’s philanthropy is Make-A-Wish, so this event complimented it well.
“We already raise money, love to help out, and host wish parties for chronically ill children,” Grosteffon said. “Supporting the Children’s Miracle Network today was really important for us and we’re so happy to be here.”
Throughout the day, students participated in fun games and had fun with inflatables and other games, but the heart of the event remained the stories of the CMN families. The families that have received help through CMN shared their stories and experiences. For more information visit: https://events.dancemarathon.com/rockeTHON2026