THON™ Weekend is a beacon of hope for children and families in the fight against childhood cancer. Student volunteers and participants come together to dance for a cure at the largest student-run philanthropy event in the world.
What Is THON Weekend?
THON Weekend is a 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon run by students at the Pennsylvania State University (PSU). It’s a culmination of yearlong fundraising and awareness efforts to support children and families impacted by childhood cancer. For 46 hours straight, designated dancers celebrate their yearlong fundraising efforts as organization representatives and Independent Dancer Couples by pledging to stand in support. Supporters join us in the stands to enjoy live music, performances, fun games and challenges, and our infamous line dance. We create a line dance to be performed every hour of the 46-hour marathon that changes every year. We encourage everyone to learn the dance and join the fun!
Over 16,500 student volunteers come together to spread awareness and raise funds for childhood cancer while supporting impacted children and families. Ninety-six cents of every dollar we raise goes directly to Four Diamonds at the Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.
Thousands of students pour their hearts and souls into THON every year because we believe in the fight against childhood cancer and hope for the day we dance in celebration. Why do we THON? We THON for the families, the fight, and the cure. Through this event, we can do our part to make a difference.
The PSU dance marathon started in 1973 when a group of students wanted to raise funds and give back to the local community. The first-ever event was held at Penn State’s HUB Ballroom, and 78 students danced for 30 hours, raising over $2,000. A few years after the first dance marathon, Four Diamonds became our sole beneficiary in 1977, resulting in a partnership that would allow us to make a difference in the lives of many children and families.
THON Weekend has grown to new heights since then. We’ve moved to different locations to accommodate our growing numbers, from the White Building to Rec Hall and finally to the Bryce Jordan Center. We broke the $1 million mark back in 1992 and now raise millions every year. We are coming off a record-breaking fundraising year in 2024 where we raised over $16.9 million dollars For The Kids!
Whether you’re a student, an alumnus, or a supporter interested in making an impact, there’s a role for everyone at THON Weekend. Thanks to you, we can support children and families affected by childhood cancer and fund research that can enhance treatments and take us one step closer to dancing for a cure. Get involved and help us stand up against childhood cancer by becoming a volunteer, making a donation, or just joining the fun!
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.
