As runners and walkers take the course, they are not only participating in a race — they are making a real difference in the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. The THON™ 5K powered by PNC is one of many inspiring pre-THON events that continue the year-long efforts in support of THON’s mission to conquer childhood cancer.
The Hospitality committee works throughout the year to fuel the fight. Volunteers on the Hospitality Committee dedicate their time to procuring and serving all food and beverages during THON Weekend and pre-THON events. They foster relationships with donors year-round in and around the State College area to allow for 100% of all meals served at THON events to be donated.
A new focal point of the Hospitality committee is to further THON’s sustainability practices. During the THON 5K, Hospitality displayed their most recent sustainability efforts for this event and has many for the upcoming year!
Chloe Keppel, a Hospitality captain for THON 2026, shares her enthusiasm for making THON a more eco-friendly and sustainable organization.
“Specifically, for 5K, we try to divert leftover food by working with community partners like Out of the Cold and Abba Java to donate leftovers and have the least amount of waste as possible.”
When asked why she participates in THON, Keppel expressed
“I THON because of all the children and families impacted by childhood cancer. It is amazing seeing how THON has helped them and getting to build connections with families during THON weekend and other events is truly amazing.”
Keppel’s favorite part about the THON 5K is the water social they get to do on stage!
Olivia Williams, another THON 2026 Hospitality Captain, shared why she THONs.
“I THON for so many reasons, aside from personal reasons, it’s the community impact. The fact that State College becomes the city of THON during THON Weekend is incredible to see and something I haven’t been able to find anywhere else. It is just so amazing to be part of something bigger than yourself.”
When asked what the THON 2026 theme means to her, Williams said
“It’s a good reminder to have throughout the year, even outside of THON. Everything you are acting with, to move forward and lead with love, having that mindset with everything you do is really important.”
Williams’ go-to hype song for the 5K is “Best Song Ever” by One Direction!
When asked why he THONs, Hospitality captain Ethan Shalaby shared, “I THON for more futures, to make more smiles, I know how much these families struggle, I personally dealt with childhood illness, and I know the struggle.”
When asked what the theme this year means to him, Shalaby said, “I think it means no matter what you’re going through, love is there to help you through the process, and love is leading us to the process. Love is leading all of us here.”
When asked what his favorite THON experience is, he expressed that he loves his committee: “hospitality because we have such a big community, with so many amazing captains and [committee members]. I love getting to know them all and making memories.” A fun fact about Ethan is that his go-to hype song for the 5K is “Levels” by Avicii!
The Hospitality Committee works hard and has a strong passion for the fight against childhood cancer. Through their dedication and unwavering support for THON’s mission, the Hospitality Committee embodies what it means to lead with love. Each Captain and their stories serve as a reminder that THON is more than a weekend in February, but a year-long effort that builds connection, care, and works toward the shared goal of creating a future free from childhood cancer.
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.
