Stetson’s second annual Hatterthon raised $31,201 for Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children on Saturday. This amount not only surpassed last year’s $10,861 nearly three times over, but also exceeded the goal of $20,000.

Hatterthon is Stetson University’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon, a movement across North America where colleges, universities and high schools raise funds and awareness for the Children’s Miracle Network hospital serving the community nearest to their campus. Collectively, the movement has raised over $200 million for local children’s hospitals, according to Miracle Network Dance Marathon.

Honor Woodward, founder and student director of Hatterthon, was inspired by attending Owlthon, the Dance Marathon for Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and began the journey to bring that spirit and service here to Stetson with the help of her fellow students and later the executive board in 2017.

“Service is about showing up and giving it your all,” said Woodward. With nearly 100 students registered to dance, perform and organize, they hope to secure even more miracles.

On Feb. 24, Stetson students stood (and danced) on their feet for eight hours to support the children and “Miracle Families” treated at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children for the second time on campus.

Miracle Families shared their stories, in testimony to the life-saving treatment and care their children received there. The fundraising dollars will go directly to the hospital for supplies ranging from diapers to equipment. During the event, a gong was rung with every $12 raised.

“Campus has really embraced this event,” said Woodward. “We can only grow from here.”

-Veronica Faison