On the HUB Lawn, Penn State’s fundraising creativity is on full display. Tables line the grass, children get their faces painted, and student organizations compete to highlight the most creative ways to raise money For The Kids®. This is Alt Fund Fest.
Alt Fund Fest is an annual showcase where student organizations and Independent Dancer Couples, or IDCs, set up tables and promote their alternative fundraisers, or “alt funds,” for THON™. This event brings organizations and IDCs together to fundraise while cultivating a sense of community throughout THON in a friendly competition. Participation isn’t automatic, it’s a choice. Organizations and IDCs apply in order to participate, which makes earning a spot a win in itself!
The stakes are real, too. The top participants can win crediting funds, a spotlight in a THON News article, and Rapid Reviews, which allow organizations and IDCs to further support their fundraising efforts throughout the year.
Alt Fund Fest is still young. It began three years ago as a passion project of the Greek Org Fundraising Safety Liaisons, who wanted an event that showcased organizations and IDCs, and one that every type could be a part of the fun. Growth has been the goal from the very beginning, and Casey Noone, the Rules and Regulations Fundraising Safety Director, says the event has hit these goals. Interest in Alt Fund Fest has continued to rise each year, and this year’s interest form had more responses than last year’s.
“With it only being the third year that this event has taken place, we have seen more engagement among Orgs and IDCs wanting to participate since it was first introduced,” said Noone.
This year, 22 organizations were selected to participate, and each one created its own unique and creative fundraiser.
This year’s Alt Fund Fest took place during Homecoming Weekend, bringing a new kind of energy to HUB Lawn. Noone said his favorite part was seeing students come together to support THON through their creative alternative fundraisers. While children and families enjoyed the activities offered at the event, student participation remained at the heart of Alt Fund Fest, showcasing how Penn State students come together to support an amazing cause. Beyond showcasing creative alternative fundraisers, Noone sees Alt Fund Fest as a way to draw more foot traffic and families to campus during the fall months.
“We hope in the next few years that will only increase,” said Noone.
With three years of Alt Fund Fest and interest growing, Noone hopes that Alt Fund Fest continues to grow, both in the number of organizations that join and in the crowds that gather on the HUB Lawn each fall. The goal remains the same: a lawn full of creativity, friendly competition and people who come together to raise money For The Kids®.
From passion project to fall tradition, stay tuned for our Org Spotlight series, where we’ll feature a different organization or IDC each time and showcase their fundraising creativity and the events they work so hard on all year long!
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.
