For the children: BaxterTHON 2026 raises nearly $60,000

Binghamton University’s Fraternity and Sorority Life community gathered April 12 in the Mandela Room and Old Union Hall to dance and fundraise at the annual BaxterTHON, raising nearly $60,000 to benefit children who receive vital medical care at the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse, New York.

The six-hour dance marathon consisted of dancing, games, performances from student organizations, and speeches from local miracle kids and their families. More than 1,300 people participated in the event, including 36 fundraising teams from fraternity and sorority organizations, campus clubs, and athletic teams. 

"Planning and being a part of BaxterTHON this year was an integral part of my undergraduate career,” said Bianca Barabasi, a senior. “Serving as president of BaxterTHON gave me the privilege to work with an incredible team toward a common goal, giving back to our community while creating an event that brought our campus together." 

Barabasi headed a committee of students that planned and organized the event from the ground up: fundraising, engaging the fraternity and sorority community, and working with the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, a member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. 

BaxterTHON has been held at Binghamton University and sponsored by the fraternity and sorority life community since 2013, growing larger in participation, impact, and money raised each year. 

"This year’s BaxterTHON committee was truly incredible,” said Madison McQueeney, assistant director of fraternity and sorority life. “I am beyond proud of the committees and fraternity and sorority community for their dedication to surpassing last year's total by over $10,000.”

On the day of the event, students raised more than $40,000, setting a new BaxterTHON fundraising record. With every successful event, the BaxterTHON committee has helped support local families with advanced medical needs and gained naming rights to key areas of the hospital. 

“We’re thrilled by this year’s turnout and the philanthropic efforts of all of our organizations,” McQueeney said. “As BaxterTHON continues to grow, so does our ability to support more local families.”

Preparations have already begun for next year’s event, with students holding elections for the 2027 BaxterTHON committee, carrying on a tradition that blends school spirit with philanthropy and meaningful community outreach.