THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, and the organization offers numerous opportunities for students to get involved, regardless of their experience, background, or interests. Whether you choose to join as a Committee Member (CM), Captain, or play a part through an organization, every position contributes to THON’s mission – supporting children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Here’s what you can expect when you join the THON community:
The THON community is home to 17 unique committees, providing a wide array of opportunities for those who wish to get involved. Each committee focuses on a different aspect of THON and allows students to apply their skills toward a common goal.
Joining a committee begins with a simple application and interview process, and once selected, committee members attend weekly meetings, which last one to two hours, leading up to THON Weekend. Committee members will have unique responsibilities, participate in THON events leading up to THON Weekend, and collaborate with their assigned captain(s) and other volunteers. Through this year-long effort, committee members not only contribute to fundraising initiatives and the success of the organization as a whole. They can also expect to develop leadership, communication, and organizational skills while becoming part of a tight-knit community that works together to spread THON’s mission.
During THON Weekend, committee members will be assigned various tasks and responsibilities to help the event run smoothly and efficiently. Each assignment is dedicated to positively impacting the THON community and the event as a whole.
Captain Expectations:
For students looking to take on a larger leadership role and more responsibility, becoming a captain gives students the opportunity to make a significant impact on the THON community. Captains oversee various position and committee-specific projects, help coordinate events throughout the school year, and, depending on the position, lead committee members. Captains are expected to attend one to two weekly meetings and dedicate additional time to individual projects and responsibilities outside those meetings.
Throughout the year, captains uphold the core of THON’s mission by demonstrating and developing leadership, collaboration, and communication skills. Like committee members, captains also fundraise throughout the year and contribute to THON’s fundraising total.
During THON Weekend, captains take charge of various position-specific tasks to help run and contribute to the different events that take place during the weekend. Every contribution positively impacts the THON community and the event as a whole.
Organization Expectations:
A large portion of THON’s volunteers come from various THON organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and special interest organizations. Within all of these organizations, students can apply for various leadership positions such as Primary THON chair, Family Relations chair, and more. These positions focus on areas including family relations, organizing fundraisers, and outreach, all playing a crucial role in THON’s community.
Organizations have the chance to be paired with a THON family who are supported by Four Diamonds. Throughout the year, organizations can build close bonds with their THON families by hosting special events, attending family activities, and providing emotional support. These special events are a way for organizations to raise money but also show support to those struggling with the challenges of childhood cancer.
All members of these organizations play their part by contributing to fundraising, showing support, and spreading THON’s mission. During THON weekend, each organization may stand in the Bryce Jordan Center, where members can cheer on their dancers, support the families, and celebrate the year-long effort.
THON provides students with numerous opportunities with various commitment levels to get involved. No matter how students decide to participate, every effort makes a difference in the fight and drives THON’s mission, helping us get one step closer to a cure.
Read more about how to get involved with THON here.
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.
