Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I register for OttoTHON?
All you have to do is visit here and fill in your specific information. If you plan on attending the Dance Marathon, you should select “Dancer”. You can also choose your team, create a new one, or dance as an individual.
You can also text ”ottothon” to 51555 for a registration link!
Q: Do I have to dance the whole time?
No, you are not required to dance for 12 hours, or know how to dance! In fact, you're not required to dance at all. Although there is definitely a lot of dancing going on at OttoTHON, we ask you simply pledge to stand on your feet for 12 hours straight if you’re able. There are other activities besides dancing to fill your time, including fun games, entertainment, and making new friends!
Q: What are the requirements of being a dancer?
We ask that each participant is a student at either Syracuse University or SUNY ESF and stays for the entire 12 hours.
Q: What should I bring?
You won't need to bring much, and please don't bring anything valuable! Wear comfortable clothes like gym shorts and sneakers. A T-shirt will be provided for you. Feel free to over-accessorize with spirit for your team or organization you’re representing. Bandanas, hats, sunglasses, costume jewelry and face paint are highly encouraged and spirit points will be awarded to those who go above and beyond!
Q: What do we do for 12 hours?
There will be a full schedule for the 12-hour dance marathon. The time will be filled with music, performances, kid stories, games and food.
Q: Why do we stand for 12 hours?
We pledge to stand for 12 hours to dance for kids who can’t.
Q: What if I cannot stand for 12 hours, can I still be involved?
You can 100% still get involved. If you are interested in being a dancer, but for health reasons cannot stand for the full 12 hours, we can make accommodations. Contact our Executive Director, Emily, at ottothon@gmail.com with any concerns.
Q: What if I am not part of an organization that participates in OttoTHON?
Anyone can sign up to be a dancer for OttoTHON! Involvement within another organization is not required. Teams can be made on (donor drive website). They can consist of anywhere from 1-1,000,000 people - so you can grab a group of friends, your roommates or dance as an individual.
Q: Who is eligible to register?
Any undergraduate or graduate student at Syracuse University or SUNY ESF is able to sign up as a dancer for the dance marathon event.
Q: How do I raise money to meet my fundraising goal?
There are endless ways to raise your goal!
You can ask friends and families to donate to your personal fundraising page on Donor Drive.
You can go canning! Canning is when you go out in public and talk to people about the —cause and ask for small donations. You can go canning in your hometown during Thanksgiving or Winter Break, around Syracuse, on Marshall Street.. or basically anywhere!
You can host your own fundraising event, like a bake sale for example. Student organizations and teams can host their own events like a sports tournament, car washes or restaurant nights to benefit their fundraising total.
Put up a flyer in your workplace or your parent's workplace to reach co-workers
You can also use some of our fundraising resources and Instagram stories on our Instagram, @OttoTHON! Here are some story templates you can share: