The results are in! West Chester University students’ 6-hour, no-sitting RamTHON Event raised $41,014.25 on Saturday, Nov. 4, to help children who are sick and receiving treatment at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; the donation total is a 35 percent increase over last year’s donation total.

A ramtastic time was had by all as RamTHON featured lots of line-dancing, zany party games, musical/dance performances, Zumba workouts, free custom t-shirts, delicious food donated on-the-hour every hour by area vendors, traveling boutiques, and much more. Making a special appearance to share their impactful stories were CHOP Miracle Network children and their families. Constant motion, movement, and “miracle” celebrations took place throughout the dance party.

More than 300 members of the community participated in RamTHON. The no-sitting requirement reminded all participants that nothing compares to the discomfort experienced by children who are being treated in the hospital. AllRamTHON proceeds will be donated to CHOP’s Child Life Department.

Now in its third successful year, RamTHON was organized by West Chester University’s Dance Marathon students, a nonprofit student-run organization on campus that was founded in 2020 by students who wanted to support the children of CHOP. The student organization fundraises throughout the year to help children who are sick and receiving treatment at CHOP.

In 2021, West Chester University Dance Marathon raised more than $21,000 to support CHOP. In 2022, RamTHON raised $30,273. This year’s donation total of $41,014.25, tops all RamTHON donation years.

Sammi Rudner, a West Chester University junior and early grades preparation major who led RamTHON this year, credits the success of RamTHON to the involvement and commitment of many.

“Dance Marathon is a movement involving 250,000 students from 400 colleges across the nation supporting and raising money for the sick and injured children treated at local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals,” Rudner said. “Each year our student executive board chooses where the funds will go at CHOP; 100 percent of what is raised at RamTHON goes directly to that department. This year, RamTHON 2023 is donating to the Child Life Department and we are hopeful that the funds raised will make a difference in the lives of many, many children.”

Learn more at West Chester University.