By Claire Latsko | Co-Editor-in-Chief
This coming Saturday, February 23, 2018, around 100 Salve Regina University students will be on their feet in Ochre Court for 14 hours straight in an effort to fundraise for children affected by illness. SalveTHON, an on-campus organization, hosts a yearly event that gives Salve students the opportunity to give back to the Rhode Island community, specifically the Hasbro Children’s Miracle Network in Providence, Rhode Island.
Bernadette Maligranda, a senior Administration of Justice major, serves as the Internal Chair on the SalveTHON e-board. She says that this event helps Salve stand out from other local colleges because it is the only university-level Dance Marathon event in the entire state of Rhode Island. Maligranda says that her favorite part of working with SalveTHON is the final product because Salve’s small community flourishes from events like this. “SalveTHON brings many people with similar interests together. This event allows you to meet some passionate and creative individuals, including our wonderful e-board and our advisor, Johanna Mancivalano,” she said. Maligranda also noted that the opportunity to build close connections with the Hasbro patients and their families is what makes SalveTHON so special.
All of the proceeds made at SalveTHON go directly to Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence. “The money we raise every year goes specifically towards research funding, equipment, hospital renovations, and many other items,” said Maligranda. “In the past, our money has gone to the finishing of waiting rooms, such as Izzy’s Room at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.”
While the thought of standing for 14 hours straight may seem daunting, the event has hourly themes, featuring creative games and fun music, to keep participants awake and having a good time. There’s also free food available at multiple times during the evening. “It’s a great chance to hang out with friends, learn new dance moves, and burn a lot of calories,” said Maligranda. “An important, touching moment in the event is when the children, who are Hasbro Children’s Hospital patients, join us throughout the night,” she said.
Maligranda is confident that SalveTHON has the ability to make “a tangible impact on your undergraduate career.” She believes in Salve’s Mercy Mission, and that “as students, we are always encouraged to make the world a more harmonious, just, and merciful place. It starts with the community around us. At the event you see how much your contributions make a difference in a child’s life.” Maligranda will be participating in SalveTHON for her fourth year in a row this weekend. “I am grateful that I am able to finish my undergraduate career on such a special note,” she says.
If you will not be participating in this year’s SalveTHON, Maligranda says the best way to be a part of the event is to sign up to be a “spirit dancer,” which still allows you to fundraise.
For updates on current SalveTHON news, search “SalveTHON” on all social media platforms. To sign up to participate in this year’s SalveTHON, visit the official SalveTHON webpage on the Dance Marathon website, or e-mail Bernadette Maligranda at bernadette.maligrand@salve.edu with any questions.
