UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI’S ANNUAL REBELTHON BREAKS RECORD

You may wonder how! It was a night of dance, fun, and most importantly, a philanthropic spirit at the University of Mississippi, as the annual RebelTHON event managed to break all previous records, raising an astounding $272,616.

UNPRECEDENTED PARTICIPATION

This incredible sum was collected from the generous contributions of 1,115 participants in this 12-hour dance marathon, proving that the Rebel spirit lives on. Ashley Myers, the President of RebelTHON and a senior exercise science major, expressed her exhilaration at the turnout and the amount raised. “Our theme was ‘School House Rocks’, and our fundraising efforts are going toward a school center in the hospital. We are beyond thrilled to have surpassed our target of $224,000.”

A NIGHT OF INSPIRATION

Several miracle children graced the event infusing a sense of inspiration among attendees. Names like Kingston Murriel, a 12-year-old born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, Owen Overby, who battled viral meningitis at five weeks old, and his brother Nathan, living with neurofibromatosis, underlined the importance of such charitable events. These miracle children are not just survivors but champions embracing life with startling enthusiasm.

KEEPING THE ENTHUSIASM HIGH

The event was not short of fun and energy. Participants dressed up according to various themes and even performed a morale dance at the top of every hour to keep the energy soaring high “They (Morale Captains) do whatever they need to do to keep energy high in the dance marathon”, said Myers. New events were introduced and appreciated, such as the Miracle Market, where vendors donated a percentage of their sales to the fundraising effort.

12 YEARS OF CONTINUAL SUCCESS

The annual RebelTHON event, in its 12-year history, has garnered more than $1.8 million for the Children’s of Mississippi. More than just a yearly event, RebelTHON continuously makes a difference all year round. The fund is nonrestrictive, allowing the hospital administration to channel the money towards areas they deem fit. This year, the funds are allocated towards a new school center in the hospital, ensuring that children in the hospital are well catered to in their educational journey.