Talbot tradition: Hampton’s Thon has $40,000 fundraising goal for Children’s Hospital foundation

In addition to raising money to fight pediatric cancer, students and community members can enjoy a dodgeball tournament, pie-eating contest, face painting and more at the Talbot Thon fundraiser on March 31 at Hampton High School.

The school’s student council is partnering with Pitt Dance Marathon to raise money for the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. Last year’s event raised more than $35,000, and Hannah Kirkpatrick, senior class secretary, said the goal for this year is $40,000.

Kirkpatrick and more than 20 other students have spent months planning this year’s event, which features food trucks, a basket raffle, a wing-eating contest, giant Jenga, Spikeball, Karaoke, Zumba and, of course, dancing.

“Not only is it super fun — there’s so many activities that we’re going to be doing, like it’s crazy how many things we have planned — but on top of that how much money that we raise in a single night is so crazy, and so great,” Kirkpatrick said.

Probably the biggest draws of the evening are volleyball and dodgeball tournaments, according to Terri Koprivnikar, a guidance counselor and faculty adviser. Teams and individuals compete to fraise the most money. In the past, prizes have included a MacBook and $100 gift certificate to the Grand Concourse.

But for students who don’t enjoy sports, Jake Killian said they “really focused on inclusivity for all” by adding a series of Jeopardy games to play instead. Killian, the sophomore class president, added that it’s been wonderful to see people throughout the community — students, teachers, business owners and more — rally together to support Thon.

“Talbot Thon is one of the events at Hampton High School that makes our time here memorable,” Killian said. “Students only go through high school once, and I couldn’t think of a better way to make the most out of it than having events like these, where everyone can have fun together and work towards helping a good cause.”

Koprivnikar said partnering several years ago with Pitt Dance Marathon brought the money for research and treatment “closer to home” to UPMC Children’s Hospital.

“I think that’s very important because any of our kids could utilize Children’s Hospital or any of our families at any time,” she said.

Talbot Thon lasts from 3:30 to 11:30 p.m. for students, and Hampton families and community members can drop by from 5 to 8. Admission for students is free, and it costs $5 for adults. Anyone can still make a donation at tinyurl.com/thon23.