Terp Thon Preps to Turn Moves Into Miracles

At the state’s biggest student-run fundraiser, the challenge isn’t just busting a move—it’s grooving for eight straight hours.

This weekend, Terp Thon will turn the University of Maryland’s Stamp Student Union into a high-energy, neon-lit club for its annual Dance Marathon to benefit Children’s National Hospital. Since its founding in 2010, Terp Thon has raised over $6.5 million to support pediatric patients and their families.

For many, the best part of Terp Thon is meeting and interacting with the hospital’s young patients, dubbed Miracle Kids, who have faced serious health issues such as cancer and genetic disorders.

“Every time one of our Miracle Kids shares their story at Terp Thon, it’s really special,” said Paige Reed ‘25, Terp Thon’s communications director. “Interacting with the kids is my biggest inspiration.”

Student organizations and Greek life chapters make up the bulk of Terp Thon fundraising teams, but all are welcome to dance and support the group on Saturday. Below are four things to know before you go:

It’s Actually a Year-round Effort
Each fall, Terp Thon hosts “Get the Scoop” recruitment meetings in collaboration with UMD Dining Services, two longtime supporters. (It even has its own Maryland Dairy ice cream flavor, “Terps for Kids,” inspired by a local Miracle Kid. The vanilla base is packed with cookie dough, Nestle Crunch pieces and chocolate swirls.).

Its 24-hour Day of Miracles in November is Terp Thon’s largest fundraising push of the fall semester; last year, the event with tabling, sales of sweets, games, and arts and crafts raised almost $27,000.

And in the four weeks leading up to the dance marathon, the hundreds of students in the organization hold “Color Wars,” with fundraising teams assigned colors facing off in challenges including game nights, karaoke and field day,

Dancing Creates Connections
With 21 executive leadership positions and dozens of other opportunities to get involved, Terp Thon is built on a foundation of collaboration, leadership, and friendship. Many members join not just for fundraising, but also for the social connections and sense of community.

Executive Director Maddy Bulman ‘25 joined Terp Thon at UMD’s First Look Fair her first semester. Now she oversees the executive board and works year-round to keep Terp Thon grooving.

“There’s something special about UMD Terp Thon,” she said. “You can see any member of Terp Thon on campus and know you’ve found someone that will be there for you no matter what.”

Every Penny Raised Is “For the Kids”
Children’s National Hospital is the local branch of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. All money raised goes toward medical equipment, treatment research and amenities not covered by families’ medical insurance, like art and music therapy. Last year, Children’s National Hospital treated more than 200,000 children.

“We donate toward the stuff that makes hospitals enjoyable for kids, so they can focus on being kids rather than their treatment,” Reed said.

Dance Marathon Organizers Keep Spirits—and Energy—Up
Visitors can expect confetti, strobe lights, neon tutus and nonstop tunes for eight hours (trimmed from 12 in the past). Each hour has a theme to reenergize the crowd: country hour, throwback hour and Taylor Swift hour, for example, were chosen by Brooke, one of the attending Miracle Kids. Each hour is accompanied by corresponding music, games and dances taught by the Morale Squad, Terp Thon’s dance troupe. The event wraps up with Power Hour. Last year, it brought in $2,500 in just 10 minutes.

All fundraising is celebrated at Terp Thon, but anyone who raises $120 or more receives special recognition and goodies at the Dance Marathon. The team that raises the most money is awarded the Spirit Stick.

“We want to fill the room with energy and spread the magic of making a difference in the community,” Bulman said.