HuskyTHON is holding its annual Fall Fest today from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Fairfield Way.
HuskyTHON is an organization of students at the University of Connecticut who fundraise year-long for Connecticut Children’s Hospital, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. The organization hosts many events during the school year, which culminate in an 18-hour dance marathon that takes place in the spring semester. Last year, the organization fundraised over $2 million for the children’s hospital.
Nora Broderick, vice president of internal relations for HuskyTHON 2027 and seventh semester English and communications major, said that this event is meant to bring the UConn community together.
“Getting to celebrate our community [and] bring everybody together through events like this is one of the most meaningful aspects of our organization,” she said.
The event will feature food trucks such as Chick-Fil-A and Donuts with a Twist, Broderick said. Merchandise such as jewelry, stuffed animals and succulents will be available for purchase.
A portion of the money students use to pay for food truck items will go back to HuskyTHON, Broderick said.
Some student clubs and organizations that will be at the event include UConn Baile and Encore.
Other cultural organizations on campus will be at the event selling goods as well, Broderick said.
Everyone has a reason why they dance in the marathon, she said.
“Whether it’s looking for community on campus, this is one of the most welcoming and special communities I found honestly in my entire life,” Broderick said.
She said there are lots of way students can get involved in HuskyTHON due to the large capacity of the organization.
These events are the building block towards the dance marathon, Broderick said.
Brendan Duhamel, director of special events for HuskyTHON 2027 and seventh semester civil engineering major, said there will also be fall-themed games for students to participate in such as pumpkin painting.
“One of the cool things about Fall Fest is that it gives opportunities to members in HuskyTHON to sell their products and raise money for themselves,” he said.
Other treats for students to enjoy include apple cider donuts, Duhamel said.
His role for the event was working with the 13 student vendors who will be at the event, he said.
Duhamel has been involved with HuskyTHON since his freshman year. He was a part of the HuskyTHON Rising Leader Program.
“That really helped me gauge an understanding of the organization and how it works,” he said.
After participating in the dance marathon as a freshman, he wanted to get more involved, Duhamel said.
If students want to register for HuskyTHON at Fall Fest, there will be members to help do that, Broderick said.
“Connecticut Children’s is such an amazing medical healthcare system, and getting to learn more about what they do and be able to support them and any children fighting these unimaginable battles is honestly really selfless work,” she said.
The next HuskyTHON event is goat yoga this Sunday at the Founders Green. The link to register is in its Linktree on its Instagram.