THON™’s Four Preference Groups  

By Jack Pronobis 

THON™ Committee Member applications are officially open! When applying to be a THON Committee Member, you will be asked about Preference Groups. What does this mean? THON Preference Groups are segments of the philanthropy that focus on one of four areas of THON: Awareness, Facilitation, Fundraising, and Public Relations. These Preference Groups help guide Committee Members to explore something that interests them within the THON community. Within each Preference Group, there are Committees that specialize in one aspect of the organization. All Committees have a different role and mission within THON, despite sharing a Preference Group. 

While completing the Committee Member application on think.THON.org, you will be able to select your top choice of Preference Group for THON 2027. If you are a returning Committee Member, you can select specific Committees within a Preference group.   

You can find more information on Preference Groups below:  

Awareness  

The Awareness Preference Group consists of Communications (COMM), Special Events (SE), and Entertainment (ENT). This Preference Group is focused on spreading THON’s mission throughout Penn State and beyond. The Awareness Committees participate in year-long outreach and event engagement as well as work to connect THON to the public. They inspire, educate, and empower our community through events and entertainment. 

Facilitation  

The Facilitation Preference Group consists of Dancer Relations (DR), Rules and Regulations (R&R), OPPerations (OPP), Hospitality (HOS), and Supply Logistics (SL). This Preference Group is focused on facilitating the events leading up to THON Weekend, as well as the weekend itself. Facilitation helps to promote sustainability and ensure security and safety for all volunteers, students, and families. These committees spread positivity and encouragement throughout THON Weekend. 

Fundraising  

The Fundraising Preference Group consists of Merchandise (MERCH), Donor and Alumni Relations (DAR), and Finance (FIN). This Preference Group is focused on collecting and raising funds to benefit our sole beneficiary, Four Diamonds. They manage the online store, finalize the THON Weekend total, and grow THON’s donor base. 

Public Relations  

The Public Relations Preference Group consists of Media Development (MEDIA), Photography (PHOTOG), and Production (PRODUC). This Preference Group is focused on spreading the stories of THON and its community through different forms of media. The Public Relations Committees serve as the voice of THON to spread our mission on a local, state, and national level. They do this by writing and capturing different content throughout the year. The Public Relations Preference Group requires a portfolio for its application.  

Preference Groups allow THON to run smoothly and ensure Committee Members have an opportunity to have a new experience while being part of a supportive community. Each Preference Group is crucial to the planning and execution of THON and THON Weekend.  

For more information on Committee Member applications and how to apply, visit think.THON.org or email outreach@THON.org. For more information on the Committees you can read here or email volunteer.logistics@THON.org. Committee Member applications close September 17.