With dancing, dodgeball, and a mission to make an impact, RhodyTHON, URI’s biggest fundraising event, brought the energy to Mackal Field House this past Sunday. RhodyTHON is a student-led organization dedicated to organizing different activities and events to raise money for the Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. Last year, the organization raised $52,000! The Hasbro Children’s Hospital was able to build an entire wing from the proceeds of RhodyTHON! The club’s biggest event is an all-day dance marathon, which was held on Sunday, March 23rd. The day consisted of numerous activities such as dance performances, mini thrift stores, various food vendors, dodgeball, zumba, face painting, you name it. Several on-campus groups take part in RhodyTHON, sponsoring kids of the children’s hospital and collectively working towards a set amount to raise for their child. Greek life, along with club sports, academic clubs, and other organizations, took part in the event, raising money for RhodyTHON with raffles, social media outreach, etc.
For Alex Parise, a junior and Partnership Chair on RhodyTHON’s executive board, this event is more than just a fundraiser. Having been involved in her hometown’s MiniTHON since middle school, Alex shares that she has always loved giving back to her community. RhodyTHON has made her feel like she is a part of something much larger than herself. Not only does this fundraiser aim to help children of the Hasbro Children’s Hospital, but also acts as a community-building program for URI students. When discussing her favorite aspects of RhodyTHON, Alex highlights the relationship and connections she has built with her peers. Having been a part of RhodyTHON for three years, Alex tells me that she has built meaningful friendships. This organization proves to not only benefit the children of Hasbro Children’s Hospital, but truly acts as a unifying force within the URI community.
Members of the club build close relationships with each other, while also performing community outreach, creating connections with other on-campus clubs and organizations. Alex relays how meaningful it is to partake in something that is greater than herself and truly has an immense impact on the community. When asked how this club contributes to her social and emotional well-being, Alex responds, “We are all like-minded people working towards a common goal who all want to give back to the community.” Many students have found their niche here within the URI community, fulfilled by being surrounded by people who have similar interests and goals.
Alex explains that while RhodyTHON is not a very large club, they focus on outreach to ensure student engagement. The club organizes various events throughout the year, selling clothes in front of the Memorial Union, partnering with various food places, attending school sports events with the children of Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and advocating for the event on social media.
The event was a huge success, raising $58,000! This year’s theme was Rhodeo, RhodyTHON members had decorated Mackal Field House to look like a western ranch. Every hour on the hour, the club members put on a dance performance, fostering high spirits on the indoor track. A few of the children from Hasbro Children’s Hospital were present at RhodyTHON and shared their personal stories at the event, proving to be an inspiration to the URI community. There were several different activities throughout the day, tables for face painting, tattooing, clothing booths, raffles, and card making for the kids. Campus Rec’s Group Exercise instructors even led Zumba! It was inspiring to see so many students and community members come together and take part in RhoyTHON to make an incredible impact.
We take pride in hosting RhodyTHON, as this event is rooted in promoting social and emotional well-being, while contributing to the betterment of the Rhode Island community as a whole. RhodyTHON perfectly captures the mission of Campus Recreation, proving to unite students and acting as a niche for students to get involved and provide a sense of belonging. Overall, RhodyTHON proved to be a fun and engaging experience, while also showcasing the impact of working together to support causes that benefit both individuals and the community as a whole. We love seeing excitement in our facilities and are happy to host a space for them! Whether you love dancing, spikeball, or giving back to your community, RhodyTHON is the club for you. Get involved and follow them on Instagram @rhodython!
By Erin Mullaney
Major: Political Science
Graduating May 2026