This weekend, LoboTHON is holding its annual dance marathon benefitting UNM Children’s Hospital (UNMCH), and for the first time in three years – it’s back in-person. LoboTHON is UNM’s largest student run philanthropy. This year’s goal is to raise money and awareness for UNMCH. In the last nine years, LoboTHON raised over $400,000.
The dance marathon is being held on Saturday, March 26, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. in UNM Sub Ballrooms B and C.
“Our funds go toward three critical areas of the hospital: life-saving equipment, family-support services, and education,” Gabby O’Keefe, the executive director of LoboTHON said. “UNMCH is also home to a fully accredited school which our funding supports. This school is critical for kids who can't attend other schools, ensuring that they can still receive an education during or after treatment.”
The Dance Marathon is LoboTHON’s largest fundraiser. Throughout the pandemic, fundraising events took place online. This year, the event is back in-person for the first time since 2019.
“Every year we register an average of 500 students from different areas of campus and different organizations on campus,” O’Keefe said. “Dance Marathon has always been a special part of the student experience at UNM, and to be able to bring it back to campus and to introduce it to our new Lobos is super exciting!”
The event includes miracle stories, musical performances, games, food, merch, and the reveal of the fundraising total. Children treated at UNMCH will be in attendance along with their families, hospital staff, performers, and student organizations.
“Dance Marathon is our time to come together as a University and recognize the past year of fundraising and everyone involved. We celebrate the difference that our community is making in the lives of the 66,000 children and their families,” O’Keefe said.
Those interested in registering and donating can go here. Those with other inquires can email Gabby O’Keefe lobothon@gmail.com.