State A Thon Celebrates 25 Years of Miracles at SDState

State A Thon, the one-day event that brings students and families together to make miracles happen, celebrated its 25th anniversary on SDSU’s campus this year.

Regularly raising over $150,000 each year since 2017, State A Thon has blossomed into a life-changing day for both the children and students who come together to make a difference for children experiencing medical issues and their families. 

State A Thon is the SDSU branch of the Dance Marathon by the Children’s Miracle Network. The SDSU student organization raises money throughout the year for patients at the Sanford Children’s Castle in Sioux Falls and hosts an event in the spring semester that brings in miracle children for a day of activities and fundraising challenges. 

Money raised through State A Thon goes to necessities like wigs, wagons for treatment rooms and meal vouchers to help children and families during their stay at the Sanford Children's Castle.

“It gives students the opportunity to see something bigger than themselves and to be a part of it. You get to see things you may have never seen or realized, and it gives people a bigger purpose while at college,” said State A Thon President Kayley Moll, when asked why students feel compelled to participate and help fundraise.
Organizers say 338 students participated in fundraising efforts throughout the year, and about 150 of those students, including the executive board and committee members, “danced” in the one-day event this year, held on April 11. The State A Thon team is made up of a 22-person executive team and 44 committee members, along with many more student participants.

This year’s fundraising efforts and event brought in $155,328.25, and 21 children from 17 families were able to participate in the 2026 event, themed “To the Castle and Beyond.”

“The most fulfilling part for me is seeing all the hard work, late nights, thousands of texts and calls, hundreds of hours of planning and prep — all come together for one great day and pay off in a big way,” State A Thon adviser Jack Richards said. “Seeing how much it impacts the miracle kids and families is my favorite part, and it is very special seeing a group of students come together to change so many lives each year.”

State A Thon has won two awards over the last 25 years, including the Recruitment Award at the National Dance Marathon, as well as the Merchandising Award.

Written by Tessa Henderson, University Marketing & Communications