NOVAdance raised a record-setting $931,080.89 this year to help fight childhood cancer, exceeding its $800,000 goal by more than $130,000.
The organization raised $708,269.10 in 2025.
NOVAdance is Villanova University’s chapter of the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, which is dedicated to providing financial and emotional support to families of children battling pediatric cancer. The amount was revealed at the conclusion of Saturday’s annual 12-hour dance marathon and reflects a full year of fundraising efforts coordinated by the organization.
Since last spring, NOVAdance has planned numerous fundraising initiatives across Villanova’s campus.
One of the largest pushes came on Feb. 17, during the organization’s annual NOVAdance vs. UDance competition, where NOVAdance raised over $120,000 in just 24 hours. Throughout that day, sending emails proved to be the most effective fundraising tool, with nearly 500 students contributing to Villanova’s fundraising during this competition.
Other campaigns included January’s “$8 in a Day” initiative, which raised awareness of the group’s $800,000 goal and brought in nearly $6,000. On Feb. 4, World Cancer Day, NOVAdance launched a $30,000 fundraising campaign supported by email and social media outreach. A corporate sponsor also pledged to donate an additional $46 for every $100 contributed, honoring the 46 children diagnosed with pediatric cancer every school day. Just this past Tuesday, March 24, NOVAdance set out to raise $46,000 to once again honor the 46 kids diagnosed with pediatric cancer every school day.
On the day of, participants sent texts, emails and messages out via social media encouraging donations. Many participants also used fundraising incentives on social media, including push-up challenges and haircuts, to encourage their audiences to donate.
Grant LeMay and Annie O’Brien, the Co-Executive Directors of NOVAdance, decided to make a public goal of raising at least $800,000 for the 2025 to 2026 academic year. This goal was first made public to the NOVAdance committee in August, and soon after was announced to the rest of the campus.
This decision proved to be extremely successful, with the organization raising more money than it ever has before. With this total, NOVAdance is helping support 931 families in the fight against childhood cancer.
