Impact

Zumba-THON to raise funds for THON at Worthington Scranton campus

Penn State Worthington Scranton alumni and students are spearheading a new event to raise funds to aid the fight against pediatric cancer. The campus’ first Zumba-THON will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, in the campus' Multipurpose Building.
For a suggested minimum donation of $5 per person, individuals of all ages may participate in or stop by the event, which is being co-sponsored by the Penn State Worthington Scranton Alumni Society and the student Blue & White Society.
The Zumba-THON will feature four Zumba instructors (one every half-hour), and local “celebrity” guest dancers from the community and campus. There also will be door prizes and raffles throughout the evening.
This event will raise funds for the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, commonly referred to as THON. A highlight of the event will be the announcement of the dancers who will represent the Penn State Worthington Scranton campus at the event in State College this February.
“As a recent graduate and a new member of the Penn State Worthington Scranton Alumni Society, I suggested during a meeting that the group consider supporting THON, a fundraiser that is very close to my heart,” said campus alumna Andrea Summa, event coordinator. “Ten minutes later, we had brainstormed our way to this event and we have been planning ever since. I was so proud to be involved in THON as a student and I can’t be more excited to be able to share my enthusiasm with the alumni and help in coordinating this event.”
Volunteering for the event are instructors Sandy Depoti, Racqueteers Health and Fitness Club, St. John’s Center and the Spectrum Health and Racquet Club; Taryn Turissini, North Pocono Fitness Quest and Academy of Asian Martial Arts; Karey Walker, Racqueteers Health and Fitness and Harford Dance Academy; and Michelle Kelsh, Penn State Worthington Scranton Athletics.
Some of the featured dancers include David Kuharchik, a Penn State alumnus, meteorologist, local news personality and host of WBRE’s "PA Live" afternoon talkshow; Josh McAuliffe, staff writer for The Scranton Times-Tribune; as well as several faculty, staff and student leaders.
Since its inception in 1973, THON’s presence in the Penn State community has grown exponentially. THON now has over 15,000 student volunteers, 700 dancers, and has raised more than $78 million, benefiting The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. THON is now a yearlong effort that raises funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer.

Volunteer organizers and instructors involved in the Zumba-THON fundraiser at Penn State Worthington Scranton planned for Wednesday, December 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. on campus include, seated in front from left: Penn State Worthington Scranton Alumni Society President Kathy Zielinski; and Worthington Scranton THON committee chair, Peggy Opalka. Standing Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated November 21, 2011

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