THON

The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, affectionately known as THON, is a 46 hour dance marathon turned year round fundraiser for the Four Diamonds Fund, an organization that supports pediatric cancer patients and their families. The first THON was held in 1973 as a way to rebuild the Intrafraternity Council's image, and raised over $2000. It was in 1977 that THON was first paired with the Four Diamonds Fund, and since then, THON has raised over $78 million for The Four Diamonds Fund. 

Watching the Line Dance take place is an extraordinary experience.

Each year, around 700 dancers and thousands of committee members dedicate their time and efforts to making THON a success. This year, THON raised a record $9.5 million, a huge increase from last year's total. 

THON 2011 Total Reveal... amazing.

Inspired by THON, many MiniTHONs have begun across the state of Pennsylvania. I am cochair of the MiniTHON at Lower Dauphin High School, which over the course of the past four years has raised over $104,000 for the Four Diamonds Fund. Last year the combined total of all of the MiniTHONs in Pennsylvania reached almost 1 million dollars, making MiniTHONs an integral part of the THON community.

My 2009-2010 MiniTHON Committee!

THON has had more of an impact on me than anything else I have ever experienced. The amount of love, care, time, and dedication put in to planning this one weekend is simply amazing. THON is where I found myself, where I decided what I want to do and who I want to be... THON is everything to me.

Evan, Seth and I at THON 2011 <3

To learn more about THON or to donate, visit www.thon.org