OttoTHON marks 11th anniversary by surpassing fundraising goal
Students gathered in Goldstein Auditorium all day Saturday to raise money for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. The “Phone Fundraiser” involved calling and texting family, friends and strangers to ask them to donate what they could. Solange Jain | Photo Editor
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Children in astronaut helmets and alien antennae frolicked around, ventured to tables with arts and crafts, made appearances on stage and competed in playful tournaments.
As OttoTHON marked its 11th anniversary on Sunday, Syracuse University’s Goldstein Auditorium at the Schine Student Center was filled with music, movement and color.
“This is their Christmas. This is their birthday,” said SU graduate student Emma Liakas, who served as OttoTHON’s external communications director. “Some of these kids spend a lot of time in the hospital, and they get to come here and just be the stars of their own show and run around.”
Founded in memory of Zach Haggett, OttoTHON is a student-run dance marathon that raises funds for Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Haggett, who was only expected to live for three years, lived until 18, leaving a lasting impact on the OttoTHON community, Morale Chair Nicki MacMaster and Family and Hospital Relations Chair Carly Antolick said.
What started as a small initiative has grown into one of the hospital’s top donors, supporting child life services, recreational equipment and mental health resources that are often not covered by hospital budgets.
“They rely a lot on donor money,” MacMaster said. “One of the really important areas that people tend to overlook is child life services.”
The money raised from OttoTHON is going toward accessible playgrounds for kids and the mental health unit. These are aspects that hospital bills don’t cover and are dependent on donations, MacMaster said.
Kaeley Carr, a student volunteer, said the experience has been deeply meaningful — not only helping provide children with essential equipment and supplies like X-ray machines, but also creating lasting friendships, memories and a sense of connection.
An OttoTHON organizer shares the excitement of a donation with an attendee. Solange Jain | Photo Editor
This year’s space theme was chosen for its kid-friendly appeal. Decorations, games and music all embraced the intergalactic theme, with the morale dance set to a playlist of upbeat pop songs. Throughout the day, participants joined in tug-of-war matches, three-legged races and took part in a choreographed morale dance led by student volunteers.
MacMaster said they try to choose a fun theme that’ll appeal to the kids. Each year, they add elements to keep it new and fresh.
Unlike previous years, this year saw its largest turnout since the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers pointed to a more energized student body, year-round fundraising efforts and expanded outreach through leadership programs as key factors in the event’s growth. The fundraising total, raised through donations, of $115,495 surpassed last year’s $109,000 — with $9,000 raised in the final 40 minutes alone.
For the children and families in attendance, OttoTHON offered more than just entertainment. Miracle Kids participated in the day’s events, danced with volunteers and shared their stories on stage.
Among the children honored was Lennox Daniels, a 4-year-old boy living with Dravet syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy. Last year, he was hospitalized and unable to attend OttoTHON. This year, he was back — running, dancing and playing alongside volunteers.
“He’s such a fighter,” MacMaster said. “It reminds us why we do this.”
For many student volunteers, OttoTHON is more than just a one day event. Carr had a personal connection to the cause because of her childhood surgery at Golisano.
“Three years ago, I was in their footsteps. I was operated on for eight and a half hours,” Carr said. “Helping these kids who can’t even come out and see what we’re doing for them, and sending this money to them, makes my heart melt.”
Liakas said that beyond fundraising, OttoTHON’s executive board hosts team-building activities, hospital tours and fashion shows. It’s not always about the money, but it’s about raising awareness, building connections and creating space for joy, Liakas said.
“It’s a fun day, but it’s also a day where kids who spend a lot of time in the hospital get to feel like kids again,” MacMaster said.
