Annual Mavathon Raises Money for Gillette’s Children’s Hospital

“We stand on our feet for those who can’t.”

by EMMA GABBERT, CSU Public Relations Assistant

Students across the Minnesota State Mankato campus will be on their feet for nine hours straight on Saturday, Feb. 22, in honor of Mavathon, a fundraiser dedicated to raising money for medical equipment donated to patients at Gillette’s Children’s Hospital.

For the past eight years, Mavathon has raised over $100,000 for Gillette’s Children’s Hospital. With the opening of a new branch in Mankato, Mavathon can now directly donate the money raised to their local hospital. Mavathon has raised over $30,000 for the year 2020 so far.

While some often think of Mavathon as a fun nine-hour party, the true meaning behind it all is raising money for children receiving treatment at Gillette’s Children’s Hospital.

Children and their families from Gillette’s Children’s Hospital are invited to participate in Mavathon not only to have a day full of fun but to also connect with the 160 students who made the event happen.

‘Mavathon gives the student teams the chance to meet and connect with the kids they raised money for.’

KYLIE MORTON, President of Mavathon

In addition, the families of Gillette’s Children’s Hospital are offered the opportunity to tell their stories and share the impact Mavathon has made on their lives, either through video or in person.

Mavathon has impacted hundreds of children throughout the years, but one child in particular name Madison brings a light that shines through all obstacles she has overcome.

Attending every Mavathon since it’s creation, Madison stays throughout the entire nine-hour event, playing games, connecting with students and sharing her story of triumph.

All money raised through Mavathon will be given directly to the Mankato Gillette’s Children Hospital for essential medical equipment for patients.

‘We donate teddy bears and blankets throughout the semester, but all the money raised through Mavathon is used specifically for medical equipment.’

Kylie Morton, President of Mavathon

In the past, the money raised through Mavathon has provided wheelchairs, MRI scans and casts to children in need.

Throughout the day, participants can partake in larger-than-life games like Giant Jenga and Twister, bring back childhood memories with Rock Band and Mario Cart, take pictures with fun props in the photo booth and play Minute to Win It games with the chance to win the exciting prize of sitting down for five minutes.

Although Mavathon was created and is still currently run by Fraternity and Sorority Life, any student group or individual is welcome to join the party.

To get involved, all participants must raise a minimum of $40 in donations, with a $5 registration fee included in the total ($35 of outside donations). This amount covers overall costs and gives a portion of the donation to Gillette’s Children’s Hospital.

For more information, questions or concerns, contact kylie.morton@mnsu.edu or visit the Mavathon website to sign up or donate.

Schedule of Events:

  • Activities Throughout the Day:
    • Cards for Kidz
    • Giant Jenga
    • Twister
    • Photo Booth
    • Rock Band
    • Mario Cart
    • Free Concessions
  • Noon to 1 p.m. – Therapy Dogs
  • 1 p.m. – The Stories of the Children at Gillette’s Children’s Hospital
  • 1 to 3 p.m. – Bullpen
    • Unlimited Bowling
    • Unlimited Billards
    • Karaoke
    • Minute to Win It
  • 2 p.m. – Lunch
  • 2 to 4 p.m. – Caricature Artist sponsored by Snell Motors
  • 3 p.m. – Giant Simon Says and Minute to Win It in the CSU Ballroom
  • 4 to 7 p.m. – DJ Dance Party
  • 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – CSU Scavenger Hunt
  • 9 p.m. – Cosmic Bingo 2.0 (open to the campus community)

#forthekids

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