Sixth annual BobcaThon hits six figures and another record
Ohio University’s sixth annual BobcaThon celebrated another six-figure, record-setting year, capping off 12 months of fundraising that brought town and gown together – for the kids.
A year-long student-led fundraiser that culminates in a 12-hour dance marathon, BobcaThon 2020 ended shortly before midnight on Feb. 15 with the announcement that $117,021 had been raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. The sixth annual BobcaThon surpassed last year’s event, which raised a record-breaking $110,020.
BobcaThon, a campus- and community-wide event, seeks to raise awareness for children with serious illness and their families as well as funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio, which provides free housing, meals and other assistance to families of children in Columbus-area hospitals. Over the past six years, BobcaThon has raised more than $460,000 for the nonprofit that serves families in and around the Athens area.
Here are some highlights from BobcaThon 2020:
More than 225 students participated in the sixth annual BobcaThon, which included a rave hour.
One of BobcaThon’s morale captains, Ian Dickens, leads a line dance alongside fellow morale captains who serve as both cheerleaders and team representatives during the dance marathon.
Jason Pina, Ohio University’s vice president for student affairs, shares a laugh with his son, Myles, during the sixth annual BobcaThon. Dr. Pina was one of several special guests at the event, including Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis and Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Jenny Hall-Jones, and spoke about why BobcaThon is important to him and his family. “It has become a defining Bobcat experience for so many students,” Dr. Pina said after the event. “BobcaThon has given our community a platform to show their level of community love and appreciation for life itself.”
BobcaThon dancers perform the line dance they learned over the course of the 12-hour dance marathon.
Members of BobcaThon’s Black Team (from left) Macie Michael, Abby Waldron and Samantha Pauley pose for a photo with the award they received for being the winning team of the night based on points they earned from playing games and earning “dancer of the hour” honors.
BobcaThon participants and fellow Ohio University students pose for a moment to reflect on the event and its purpose while listening to “Lean on Me.”
The Baker University Center Ballroom fills with confetti, cheers and a few tears as members of the BobcaThon 2020 Leadership Team reveal this year’s fundraising total.