Since 2011, QTHON has now raised over $1.9 million to provide treatments, resources, and healthcare services for children and families served by Connecticut Children’s, the only health system in Connecticut solely dedicated to children's health.

At 6 p.m. the RecWell Center crowd broke into a Bobcat roar as QTHON Executive Director Sarah Springer ’26 and QTHON Eboard members flipped poster cards, one by one, to reveal the stunning total.

Springer said QTHON’s 2026 grand total surged beyond all expectations.

“Our goal was to raise $200,000,” Springer said. “I’m so excited. This is a really amazing representation of our community and everyone that’s been involved this year to help light the way for the patients and families at Connecticut Children’s.”

An occupational therapy major, Springer also had the honor of leading QTHON’s Eboard in 2025, when QTHON far exceeded its $150,000 fundraising goal to drive in $180,063 for Connecticut Children’s. This year’s Eboard also smashed Springer’s registration goal of 1,600 participants by gathering over 1,700 QTHON participants.

“This is the best team I’ve ever been able to work with, especially the directors,” said Springer. “We’ve formed such a great bond that has really helped the team to be able to shine at new levels. Our campaign this year is ‘Light the Way’ and I would say our Eboard has really helped light the way to changing kids’ health and changing the future.”

Quinnipiac President Marie Hardin said the significance of QTHON’s vital support is equally measured by the profound and lasting impact it has on the Quinnipiac community.

“I think that QTHON is incredibly important, not only in its support for Connecticut Children’s service to children and families, but as a way to bring this community together, and to help these students realize their own potential to serve others together in community,” Hardin said.

Abbey Conrad, Northeast campus program manager for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Programs, works with QTHON’s executive board as an adviser. She said QTHON has exceptionally dedicated student leadership at Quinnipiac.

“This is QTHON’s 15th year overall, and the students fundraise all year long. The second this event wraps up, they’ll work to start selecting the board for next year, and they immediately start all over again. They don’t take a break,” said Conrad.

Conrad said QTHON’s student leadership works hard to raise the bar each year on its fundraising efforts, events, and generating support from students, faculty, staff, families and friends.

“Sarah Springer, the executive director, is one of the best students I’ve ever worked with, across any dance marathon,” Conrad said. “She’s very special and is so dedicated. I feel like QTHON has just flourished under her leadership. This year’s amazing amount raised is just a testament to all of their hard work. They’ve really done an incredible job.”

Kicking off at noon on the Mount Carmel Campus on March 21, QTHON was filled with Bobcat spirit. As students danced their way to the final reveal, QTHON’s huge volunteer group of Morale Dancers helped pump up the DJ’s beat. New this year, a Dancing With the Stars-style contest drew student volunteers who partnered up to perform while fans drove in donations by voting for their favorites at the live QTHON app.

When the stardust settled, Katie DeVine ’28 and Ethan Mazza ’26 danced their way to the win. Both Bobcats got involved with QTHON through their Greek communities.

“This is my first year at QTHON, but I’m really glad I’m involved with it,” said DeVine, a Kappa Delta member. “I did theater for so long, and I love performing, so being able to put a smile on people’s faces was so much fun and I think the cause is so important.”

Mazza signed up for the contest in response to a suggestion from his Alpha Sigma Phi QTHON management team leader. The nursing major has joined his chapter in supporting QTHON throughout his Quinnipiac journey.

“Every year since freshman year, I’ve tried to raise $300-plus, because we’ve always tried to be active and help out the Miracle Kids,” Mazza said. “This event is an awesome way to cap it all off. I think it’s a really important event to have on campus. It brings together all the groups that you normally wouldn’t see in the same room.”

Members of Quinnipiac’s Greek organizations came out in force to get on the dance floor, raise funds, and host an excited group of Miracle Kids matched for the day by Connecticut Children’s. The kids and their families were treated to QTHON activities, dances, giveaways, treats and friendly student and staff support.

While 13-year-old Miracle Kid Ariella “Ella” Botts couldn’t attend in person, she joined her brother, Daniel, 10, mom Rachel, and dad Charles at the party via Zoom. During a special moment on stage, Rachel Botts spoke to students about the incredible gift their QTHON support generates as part of Connecticut Children’s Greatest Need Fund. She said the fund supports the “magic” which Connecticut Children’s Hospital provides to children and their families. Botts also noted QTHON has been supporting Connecticut Children’s since 2011, the year before her daughter was born.

“For as long as Ella has been alive, Quinnipiac has been contributing to the things that make her have this big, amazing life, and we are forever grateful,” Botts said. “For kids like Ella to not only get to survive but to thrive and to live these big, bold lives, that’s what is needed. We’re forever grateful for everything that you all are doing, the work that you put in and the dedication you’ve put in for a whole year. We could never say ‘thank you’ enough.”