You may have heard about NatickTHON, which recently happened on November 18th. If you have not heard of this event, continue reading to find out about this amazing group of people who set out to make a difference!  

What is NatickTHON?

NatickTHON was a fundraiser set up to raise money for Boston's Children’s Hospital (BCH). At the event, there were sports, games, dancing, and food. The event lasted for 6 hours. Even though there's always time to donate to the charity! NatickTHON is only a small part of a bigger fundraiser called Dance Marathon. “This movement benefits Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization that raises funds and awareness for more than 170 pediatric hospitals across North America. This is the only children’s charity committed to having 100% of the funds raised stay local to support kids in the Natick and its surrounding communities. Since its inception, Miracle Network Dance Marathon has raised more than $200 million for kids across North America- ensuring that no child or family fights pediatric illness or injury alone”(Ms.Rich and the members of NatickTHON). 

Who made it happen?

This is the first year that Natick has done NatickTHON. The fundraising was led by the Natick High School teacher Ms.Rich, with the support of 26 members. The club for planning NatickTHON spent at least once a week or every other week at the beginning of the year after school. As NatickTHON got closer students then met almost every other day after school. The amount of time that these students took out of their days to come and plan this event is amazing. It shows real commitment to go and fight to raise money for something that is much bigger than you. 

What inspired it?

"Our inspiration to start NatickTHON came from Ms. Rich, a Freshman Global teacher here at Natick High," said Kendall Brumley, the External Director. "She introduced the idea of creating a dance marathon, last year since she had participated in the UCONN dance marathon in college. With her enthusiasm and drive we have created the first NatickTHON and hope for it to grow each year eventually becoming the largest High School Dance Marathon in Massachusetts. As students at NHS, our own inspiration comes from the idea that all the money we raise will go towards the making Boston Children's Hospital a better place for the kids. We have many students at NHS who have a special relationship with BCH and this is a great way for us to come together and support each other, and the Natick community."