By Jack Pronobis
There are many different ways to get involved in the largest student-powered philanthropy in the world. You can join a participating student organization, volunteer as a Captain or Committee Member, fundraise for the chance to dance independently, or start your own THON™ organization.
Captains and Committee Members are volunteers who help make up the 16 committees that carry THON’s mission. Each committee has its own Director, Captains, and sometimes Committee Members. Captains are dedicated student volunteers within THON who take on a leadership role in the committee. Committee Members also play a key role in empowering the THON community in its mission of conquering childhood cancer. If you’re interested in volunteering for THON and being on a committee, this is a great start. To become a Captain or a Committee Member, apply online through think.thon.org during their application period. If you want more help with your application, look at “All You Need to Know: THON Captain Applications”, THON.org or email communications@thon.org.
Student organizations are also a great place to meet new friends and fundraise towards a cure. There are more than 400 organizations involved in THON at Penn State, including special interest organizations whose sole purpose is to fundraise towards THON. These organizations give students the opportunity to fundraise For The Kids® and select representatives to dance during THON Weekend on behalf of their organization. Find an organization that interests you and attend a meeting! To get involved with an organization you can go to the involvement fair, or see the list of organizations here.
Every year, Independent Dancer Couples are given the opportunity to dance THON Weekend. Independent Dancer Couples are chosen through a weighted lottery system, with chances determined by the amount of money your couple raises throughout the year. If you are interested in dancing THON Weekend and do not have an organization you wish to represent, grab a friend and enter the lottery. Visit the THON Office or email idc.coordinator@thon.org to register and ask any questions you may have.
Lastly, if you are passionate about supporting THON throughout the year and are not already involved with an organization that participates in THON, you can start a new student organization. With passion, leadership, and dedication, creating a new student organization may be the route for you! The Communications committee provides support and resources that can help a new THON organization take off. Get some friends, classmates, or strangers, and start fresh! All organizations must be recognized by the University in order to participate in THON.
Every member of the THON community plays a crucial role in our fight against childhood cancer, and there is a place for everyone within it.
THON™ is able to donate 96 cents of every dollar raised to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital because of supporters like you. Your generosity creates moments of joy for Four Diamonds children and families and empowers our volunteers through year-round events, fundraisers and THON Weekend.
