Penn State THON™ raised a record breaking $2,077,353.59 in only 17 days during the Dream Forward Campaign!
The 100 Days ‘Til THON Celebration concludes the annual Dream Forward campaign. During the last 17 days, the THON community worked together to exceed the set goal of $1,250,000 and raise a record breaking $2,077353.59! Donors, alumni, and supporters dream forward towards a future where no parent has to hear the words “your child has cancer”.
The Dream Forward Campaign is the largest fundraising and awareness campaign outside of THON Weekend. The first Dream Forward Campaign took place in 2018. The 2020 Dream Forward fundraising goal was $500,000 and since then the campaign raised $1,926,461.87 in 2025 alone! This annual campaign has become an integral part of THON’s yearlong efforts.
To wrap up the 7th annual Dream Forward campaign, let’s take a look at some memorable moments from the last two and a half weeks.
The Dream Forward campaign kicked off on October 26th at the THON 5K Powered by PNC. Community members and volunteers gathered outside the Bryce Jordan Center to Inspire Every Step in the search for a cure for childhood cancer. The day was filled with entertainment, activities, local food trucks, and a 3.1-mile loop around Penn States campus.
Throughout the 17 days, volunteers and supporters moved the fight to social media through a Social Media Storm and Social Media Challenge to spread THONs mission on various @PennStateTHON social media platforms.
Matching Day on November 6th was a success as every third donation was matched up to $100, and $10 for student donations, until funds ran out.
The 6th annual Phone-A-THON event took place in Alumni Hall in the HUB on October 28th, where THON Volunteers came together to call friends and family to share the Dream Forward campaign.
THON launched the first ever Get Air Benefitting THON event on the 29th! Students were able to jump for two hours and credit a portion of their ticket proceeds to an organization or committee of their choice.
Organization members and Independent Dancer Couples participated in THON Trivia on November 4th in an effort to gain crediting funds and additional Dream Forward Lottery tickets.
Students and supporters took to the Pickleball courts for the THON Pickleball Tournament on November 9th. Partners showed up in good spirits to play some light-hearted matches for a chance to receive more crediting funds, while one random participating group won an additional ticket to go towards the Dream Forward Lottery.
State College locals were also able to enjoy some downtown staples and support the cause. Fuel the Dream Hospitality Promotions took place all throughout the campaign, and some participating locations included Playa Bowls, McLanahan’s, Noodles & Co., Vibe Coffee, and more!
The 100 Days ‘Til THON Celebration is a beautiful showcase of how the community can come together and unite for a shared goal. Although the Dream Forward campaign has come to an end, the THON community continues the fight For The Kids® and for a future without childhood cancer.
Thank you to everyone who made this record-breaking amount possible! The tireless and selfless dedication does not go unnoticed. Join the THON community next week for Week of Gratitude and Thank You Tuesday. Show your gratitude to our donors by writing thank you cards, adding a personal touch to show appreciation for all those who supported you during your Dream Forward fundraising efforts.
To ensure that THON is able to donate 96 cents of every dollar raised to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, we heavily rely on donor support. These donations provide us the resources to create endless memories for our Four Diamonds families & foster a deep love & connection to our mission for our volunteers through Pre-THON Events, alternative fundraisers, & THON Weekend.
