Every year in late February, Penn State THON holds its fundraising event to promote awareness and raise money to help the lives of children and their families impacted by childhood cancer. THON is a 46-hour event at the Bryce Jordan Centre with no sitting and no sleeping, just dancing. This year, it went from Feb. 16 through Feb. 18.
Penn State THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world and it was started in 1973. They raise millions of dollars annually for the Four Diamonds Fund in Hershey at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.
Junior Addison Hertzberg shared how THON was impactful for her.
“Just seeing everyone being there to support the kids through their experience and journey. It was very high energy, a very good environment, like very positive,” she said. The highlight of THON for her was seeing the college students interact with the kids.
Around 708 dancers volunteered. This year, they set a new record and raised the largest amount they have in 52 years, $2 million more than last year. They raised $16,955,683.63.
Jess Rotthoff, a THON volunteer, shared what she loved about the dancers. “I love that they are giving up their time to help raise all this money to help families and kids and that they’re so excited to be there and that they’re always doing their best and working hard,” she said.
Penn State THON had performances by music groups Adam & The Armadillos, Walk the Moon, Late for Breakfast, The Statesmen, Walk on Mars, among others. Some Penn State Staff even got involved, with a Penn State professor being the lead singer of the band “Ted McCloskey and the Hi-Fi’s”. There were also solo performances during “Country Hour” by Zach Bryan, Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, and more.
Next was the Kid’s Fashion show, where kids from Four Diamonds and their friends and families got to show off their fashion style with costumes and fun clothing. There were DJs like DJ Dosk and DJ Zyrten. Some fun line dancing occurred, along with energetic songs for the audience to participate in, like Y.M.C.A.
One of the most memorable moments was when families and kids would share their experiences and stories of their journeys with cancer. Many families stepped forward and shared their stories, along with a procession of over 80 Four Diamond families.
Penn State THON held their annual pep rally, with men’s gymnastics coming out on top with a vote from the judges 3-2. A large variety of Penn State sports teams participated.
THON would not be possible without the support and donations of many communities and organizations. The most money raised by Greek organizations went to Zeta Tau Alpha and Alpha Tau Omega who raised over $509,207. The special-interest organization Altas raised the most money with over $277,754.
MNMS student Sarah Rotthoff shared why she loves THON each year. “There was a lot of energy. Everyone seemed happy to be there and excited to be dancing” she said. She has gone to THON her whole life and it is very special to her.
Penn State THON impacts victims of childhood cancer and their families and gives many a memorable experience they will never forget. From pep rallies to bands and singers, Penn State THON continues to provide exciting entertainment and a supportive environment.
To find more information on Penn State THON, read here.
