UNT Eaglethon, a 6-hour live event, raised $26,308.65 for Cook Children's Hospital with the goal of celebrating wishes and supporting a worthy cause.

Since 2014, the UNT Center for Leadership and Service has organized Eaglethon, an annual fundraising initiative that culminates with hours of dancing and other events to recognize the youth aided by the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Together with live entertainment, a DJ, dancing and performing groups from the university, Eaglethon participants help pass the time while contributing to the fundraising efforts.

“My favorite thing about Eaglethon is when we reveal the final total of how much we raised throughout the year,” said Service Coordinator for the Center of Leadership and Service Alexa Bilich. “It’s a very special moment for the students, for them to see how much was earned and how much we are donating to Cook Children’s.”

At the event, many children with their families speak to the Eaglethon participants about the health struggles they face while also talking about the successes they have found as a result of the wonderful hospital services provided by the donations of past Eaglethon events. Hearing their stories puts in perspective the true purpose of Eaglethon.

“Getting to see that direct impact we have on the kids and their families means so much,” said Executive Director of Eaglethon and senior biology major Nicole Rivera.

Many of the students that participate in the campus dance marathon organization spend the entire year developing their leadership, teamwork, event organization and networking skills while generating money and awareness for the Children's Miracle Network Hospital in their community.

“One of the goals we had as a team was to create strong relationships within all the members involved with the planning of this event,” said Rivera.

UNT’s Eaglethon event is part of the Miracle Network Dance Marathon movement which unites college and high school students across North America. Since 1991, the Miracle Network Dance Marathon has raised more than $350 million.

To see all the photos from this year’s 2023 Eaglethon, click here.

For more information on the Center for Leadership and Service, visit https://studentaffairs.unt.edu/center-for-leadership-and-service.