Penn State’s THON celebrated on Wednesday 100 days until the 46-hour dance marathon slated for Feb. 16 to 18 and announced the total from its fifth-annual Dream Forward campaign.
The 2.5-week fundraiser garnered $1,601,849.07 For The Kids to kick off the student-run philanthropy’s 2024 fundraising for the Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and break a few records at the same time.
It surpassed the organization’s $850,000 goal and is a new record for the Dream Forward campaign, eclipsing last year’s $1,266,034.16,
Featuring a silent disco, show-stopping dance performances, hair donations and a bunch of fresh bobs, 100 Days ‘Til THON at the HUB-Robeson Center was a success.
For the first time in 100 Days ‘Til THON history, the event hosted its own mini Pep Rally, showcasing chants, cheers and spirit from Penn State cheerleaders, Lionettes, Majorettes, the Blue Sapphire, and the mic man.
Each of the 16 THON committees had the chance to hone their crafts ahead of THON Weekend.
The Hospitality committee served up sweet treats to 100 Days ‘Til THON attendees before it begins its role stuffing chicken baskets and ensuring dancer wellness with delicious meals throughout the 46-hour marathon.
All of the THON community and committees attended in droves, treasuring every adventure as fundraising efforts get underway.
The HUB was filled with THON folks from top to bottom.
Beyond Alumni Hall and the stairs, THON organizations and Independent Dancer Couples tabled to raise money for their donor drives with unique items, games and crafts.
Alumni Hall provided plenty of activities to partake in throughout the afternoon event, including card-writing and bracelet-creating stations for children at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.
Just before the Dream Forward campaign total reveal, a handful of long-haired THON supporters chopped inches off of their hair to donate to Wigs for Kids, which creates custom hairpieces for children who have lost their hair as a result of cancer.
After a long eight months lacking a Line Dance, Penn Staters were gifted with an electric rendition of the 2023 Line Dance.
Hundreds of students packed into the HUB to see the Dream Forward campaign reveal, which raised $1,601,849.07 For The Kids. The total blew the $850,000 goal out of the water and beat last year’s record by a $335,814.91.
