On Oct. 14 at 3 p.m. in Parents Plaza, the Muhlenberg Theatre Association (MTA) kicked off its yearly Arts Marathon event, taking over the space for 12 hours to share art and raise money for this year’s charity of choice, Homies Helping Homies. As in years past, the time was filled with incredible student performances as well as providing student artisans and small business owners an opportunity to sell their work, all for a good cause.
“When I had to pick an organization that I wanted to fundraise for, I really wanted to pick something that would be closer to the campus, something that not as many people know about, a group that deserves even more love and probably doesn’t often get as much as some other groups in terms of publicity and such,” said Arts Marathon Coordinator Jolie Lanning ‘25.
Homies Helping Homies is a mutual aid group located in the Point Breeze neighborhood of South Philadelphia, a neighborhood that has the highest concentration of Black elders compared to any other neighborhood in Philadelphia. They have faced overpopulation and gentrification issues that were only exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Homies Helping Homies works to ensure that everyone has what they need.
“It felt good to be a part of this fundraiser, and to have personally been able to help raise money for a good cause.”
– Harry Glicklin ‘26
“I came into the process of it later and it’s kind of been a whirlwind just trying to make it work for all of our performers but I’m excited that it’s finally here,” said Faith Miller ‘26, one of Lanning’s assistants, during the first part of the event.
The early hours of the Arts Marathon were dedicated mostly to the student vendors, with the performances kicking off at 4:20 p.m. with “A ‘Glee’ Fan Game Show,” a Glee-themed guessing game that brought out many an audience member’s inner “gleek.”
At around 5 p.m. some incredible student dance group performed. Copacetic Rhythms, Perkulators and MINT all brought their talent to the stage for a good cause. The rest of the afternoon and early evening was filled with a play reading and some planned-out writing, dance and musical performances, as well as an open-mic and karaoke segment where students could donate for the opportunity to get on stage and present anything their heart desired. This led to both some fantastic vocals and some fear-inducing, stunt-filled dance moves.
“I think things are going great, it seems like everyone is having a fabulous night. I’m very excited for all of the performers and I’m hoping we’re going to raise a lot of money, but no matter what, everyone’s having a lot of fun and I’m glad!” said Lanning at this point in the event.
At 11 p.m. the a cappella marathon featured all six a cappella groups in a competition to see who could raise the most money. All of the groups brought their a-game, auctioning off some incredible items like a date with a ‘Fella from the Acafellas, the opportunity to be personally serenaded by the Chaimonics, and votes on which color Noteworthy President Brayden Stallman ‘23, would dye his hair during their second song. In the end, CODA raised the most money out of all the groups, winning a Blues-Clues-themed prize cup.
“Two people pooled their money to win the auction, and chose me for the date, which was super cool,” stated Harry Glicklin ‘26, a ‘Fella. “We also helped raise money by allowing the highest bidder to change a lyric in one of our songs to put any name of their choice. It felt good to be a part of this fundraiser, and to have personally been able to help raise money for a good cause.”
The a capella and other vocal groups were followed up by comedy shows from Muhlenberg Improv Association (MIA), To Be Determined (TBD) and a Fun With Science and D.I.E. crossover, all of whom auctioned off opportunities to get involved in the silliness. The late hour of the morning only added to the hilarity of the groups. The Co-President of D.I.E., Robin Title ‘25, with Lanning as Co-President, shared, “I thought the event went really well! A 12 hour long event is a lot to plan and I thought that Jolie did so well organizing everything!” After that, the last few performers overcame exhaustion and the cold to put on their shows and wrap up Arts Marathon with a bang.
“I’m really happy that I got to have fun and wow the fans with Joey as a senior!”
– Lauren Koranda ‘23
Lauren Koranda ‘23, who performed a duet from “La La Land” with Joey Marcacci ‘23 said, “What made it so special my freshman year were performances where friends had fun that happened to also be entertaining. I’m really happy that I got to have fun and wow the fans with Joey as a senior!”
Overall, the event raised over $950 for Homies Helping Homies through all the vendor sales, performer auctions and donations. The money raised will make an impact not too far away from Muhlenberg’s own campus.
Greg Wilson ‘24, who performed in the kazoo concert, mentioned, “I had a great time at Arts Marathon! I wanted to do something funky, I got an ad for 42 Kazoos on Oriental Trading [Company] and I decided then and there. We didn’t know what we were going to perform until we got there, but being dumb on stage with your friends while the audience cheers is what life is all about.”
