Note: This story originally appeared in AlumnInsider, the Penn State Alumni Association's monthly member e-newsletter.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — THON doesn’t happen just throughout one February weekend each year. It’s a yearlong effort by thousands of students — and thousands of supportive alumni.Penn State’s 46-hour IFC Panhellenic Dance Marathon is set for Feb. 20 to 22 at the Bryce Jordan Center at University Park. Last year, a record-total of $13.3 million was raised for THON, bringing the total raised in the history of the event to more than $114 million for Four Diamonds at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.Alumni volunteers go all out for THON. They host events, send care packages and mail to dancers and support Penn State students who are canning in their communities. Read an article in last month’s issue of AlumnInsider about the recent Volunteer Awards, many of which recognized the extraordinary efforts of Alumni Association affiliate groups and individuals supporting THON.The theme for THON 2015 is “Empower the Dreamers.”
In Pennsylvania, Washington and Greene counties will hold their annual celebration, We Too Can Dance, on April 11. Below are dates for additional upcoming fundraisers across the country.
-- Atlanta, Diamonds Over Georgia, Feb. 7
-- Pittsburgh, Blue White Ball, Feb. 7
-- New York City, Hope Gala, Feb. 28
-- Los Angeles, Lights. Camera. Cure., March 21
-- Philadelphia, Liberty Ball, Jan. 24
Many other alumni groups hold fundraisers for THON. From THON nights at various professional hockey matches to baseball games to raffles and auctions to golf outings, Penn State alumni chapters across the country are busy year-round raising money for THON and Four Diamonds.
Find out what your local chapter is doing to support THON. Or, donate directly to THON via the students’ website. Shop online at the THON Store for THON apparel, accessories and gifts, all of which benefits Four Diamonds.For more information on THON 2015, visit thon.org.