Binghamton students raise over $57K at annual dance marathon

Binghamton University’s fraternity and sorority community demonstrated their philanthropic spirit – and their dance moves – at the annual BaxterTHON event, raising more than $57,000 to benefit local Broome County children and their families who receive key medical care at the local Children's Miracle Network Hospital, The Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse. 

“I love Baxterthon and being a part of this amazing event because I know the money we raise helps kids who are fighting at Upstate Golisano – and every cent helps,” said Ashley Bryant, president of the BaxterTHON committee. “I love making a positive impact on the hospital and the Binghamton community as a whole.”

The six-hour dance marathon, held on March 23, consisted of dancing, games, performances from student organizations, and speeches from local miracle kids and their families. Over 1,210 people participated this year, including 33 different fraternities and sororities, as well as five Miracle Kids and their families. 

“My favorite part of the event is the big reveal because seeing that number puts into perspective how much money our community can raise when we work together. I also love seeing the kids at the event because they are the reason I do this,” said Bryant.

The BaxterTHON committee, consisting of 13 undergraduate students and a staff advisor, make a year-long commitment to fundraise, engage the fraternity and sorority community and work with the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. 

Dance marathons have been held at Binghamton University and sponsored by the fraternity and sorority community since 2013, each year growing larger in participation and money raised. With every successful event, the committee has gained naming rights to key areas of the hospital. Students are already excited about next spring's event and holding elections for their next BaxterTHON committee.

“It’s amazing to see the committee's hard work and dedication to the cause pay off,” said Madison McQueeney, assistant director of fraternity and sorority life and BaxterTHON advisor. “Each one of them gave it their all this year. They were able to pull off an amazing feat of raising over $15,000 on the day of the event. I couldn’t be more proud of them and our community.”