THON™ Organization Spotlight – ATO X ZETA
by Molly Ligon

Written By: Bayla Plower, Colin Cross, and Sarah Strent

ZETA- Chloe Butler: 

  1. What is your name and major? 

My name is Chloe Butler and I am a senior public relations student. 

  1. What is your role in THON for your fraternity/sorority?  

I am the ZTA Alternative Fundraising Chair, meaning I oversee the Alternative Fundraising committee with the other chairs and organize fundraising events. 

  1. What inspired you to be a part of THON?  

After my first THON in 2020, I was immediately connected to THON’s mission after seeing the passion of my organization and everyone involved in THON. Even as a new member, I could tell that we had an incredible relationship with our families and was so excited to start my relationship with them and continue the support system we have for them. In January 2020, we lost our THON child Joyce, and the immense loss was felt by the entire organization. I was so inspired by the way everyone was so supportive of her family and determined to carry on her positive and radiant memory.  It sparked my passion further to carry on her legacy and fight for those who can’t. 

  1. What is your favorite part about being involved in THON?  

My favorite part about being involved in THON is being able to share this passion and drive with my organization which works so hard year-round to fundraise and support our families. I have been so lucky this year to grow a relationship with our newest family, The Bomgardner’s. Gus is four years old and is the sweetest little boy! I am so inspired by the strength of him and his family and cannot wait to see them on the floor at THON weekend so soon! Being able to connect with their family and all of our 6 families has been one of my favorite parts about being involved in THON because I can see the direct impact we are making in their lives. 

  1. What’s your best THON memory? 

This is a hard question because I have so many incredible THON memories! However, the one that sticks out to me the most is my freshman year THON during the final four. During the family hour, everyone was so moved by the family stories and the THON angel’s video. I remember having this moment of taking everything in and knowing this was where I was meant to be. I knew at that moment that THON was going to be a significant part of my college experience and that I wanted to do everything in my power to make a difference in THON and the lives of our families. 

  1. What are your aspirations for your fraternity/sorority organization this THON? 

I am SO proud of everything ATO x ZTA has done so far this year and I cannot wait to see our year-long efforts culminate at THON 2023. I hope we have an incredible THON weekend and that all of our new members can have a similar experience to mine for their first THON. In addition, this is Gus’s first THON weekend being at the BJC. Last year he was still in treatment during THON weekend so could not attend with his mom and sisters. I am so excited to be able to hang out with him on the floor and make his first THON an amazing experience. Finally, we are all definitely hoping to match or beat our total from last year and continue to fight for those who can’t.   


ATO- Tucker Haas 

  1. What is your name and major? 

My name is Tucker Haas and I am a senior majoring in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management. 

  1. What is your role in THON for your fraternity/sorority?  

 I am currently the Corporate Chair of Alpha Tau Omega. 

  1. What inspired you to be a part of THON?  

I was inspired to be a part of THON a lot earlier in my life than most people were. When I was 2 years old, I was diagnosed with cancer. From the very beginning my family and I learned very quickly what the Four Diamonds is and what THON does for children and families who are battling cancer. From that point on, my family and I never had to see a medical bill from any of my treatment, all thanks to the generosity of students from Penn State. As I got through my treatment, I knew I wanted to do something to give back to the children and families who helped save my life. With that, I wanted to attend Penn State and get involved in THON as quickly as I could. THON has been a full circle journey and I am beyond grateful to represent my organization and the Penn State University. 

  1. What is your favorite part about being involved in THON?  

My favorite part about being involved in THON is how rewarding it is to help families get through a rough time in their lives. Being able to see these children grow up and come to Penn State to be a part of THON as a student is incredible. Another one of my favorite parts about THON is seeing all these children in the BJC during THON weekend. Going through cancer is an incredible challenge that takes a lot out of your body, however seeing them with smiles on their faces for those 46 hours is special. 

  1. What’s your best THON memory? 

When trying to think of just one THON memory, it’s pretty difficult since this will be my 20th THON, but there is one that sticks out more than the others. In 2007 I saw Boom Boom Pow by the Black-Eyed Peas on stage during the family talent show. Another one of my favorite memories many years after my performance on the stage, I got to be on stage and support our now angel, Joyce, sing her original song on stage. The last favorite memory that I would like to mention would be when I was the Family Relations Chair for my organization last year, and I was able to help lead our organization in adopting a new family. It was a full circle moment for me. 

6. What are your aspirations for your fraternity/sorority organization this THON? 

Being a part of ATO and ZTA is a very special thing as we have a long history of being a very involved organization. Each year our goal is to try our best and do better than the year before. While yes, it is important to raise as much as we can every year, it’s also important to spread the word of what THON does. This year will also be our new THON child’s first THON in the BJC. While he was a part of our org last year, he was unable to attend because he just got off treatment. We are very excited to see all of our hard work from the entire year come together and to celebrate why we all do what we do.