Today, July 1, we begin our fundraising efforts for the THON 2025 year. Today we Ignite The Fight against childhood cancer so that someday we will be able to dance in celebration of a cure. 

Ignite The Fight is an annual fundraising and awareness campaign generating excitement and preparedness for the upcoming THON year.

THON volunteers, organizations, and supporters are encouraged to set up or re-activate their DonorDrive accounts so that they may begin fundraising online. You can set up your DonorDrive account here.  

While THON Weekend may still seem like a long time away, now is the perfect time to begin planning your fudraising efforts for the upcoming year! Spread the word through social media and encourage your family and friends to donate. 

THON Weekend will take place from February 21-23, 2025. Let’s join together and Ignite The Fight for THON 2025! 

Ignite The Fight: July 1 

The THON fundraising window begins yearly on July 1, kicking off our efforts for the upcoming year. At this time, volunteers and supporters may set up their DonorDrives and start their fundraising events. 

Theme Reveal: Homecoming Parade 

The highly anticipated Theme Reveal takes place at the Homecoming Parade each fall, where the Executive Committee unveils the theme from their float. The THON theme for each year encapsulates the mission of our community as we continue to grow as an organization. 

THON 5k 

As the temperatures begin to drop, THON’s first major in-person event takes place just outside where dancers will be standing in a few months. The THON 5k is the largest pre-THON event and draws in runners and supporters from across the area. While the headlining event is the race around campus, attendees also enjoy live music, the Line Lance, family stories, and a mini pep-rally.  

Dream Forward and 100 Days ‘Til THON 

By mid-November, excitement for THON Weekend truly begins to build. B The Dream Forward campaign, lasting 17 days, is the largest push in pre-THON Weekend fundraising. Volunteers, donors, alumni, and supporters engage in activities in the State College area and beyond, such as dine-out nights, social media campaigns, trivia nights, and remembrance events. The Dream Forward campaign culminates at the 100 Days ‘Til THON event, which begins the final countdown until THON Weekend. Students celebrate in the HUB with performances from various organizations, a silent disco, hair donations, and the Line Dance. Finally, the Dream Forward fundraising total is revealed! 

Family Carnival and Logo Reveal 

As THON Weekend continues to approach, THON invites Four Diamonds families to State College for a day of games, dancing, and fun in early December. Committees and organizations set up booths for families to enjoy in the Multi-Sport Facility, and organizations and artists perform throughout the day on the main stage. There is even a mini pep rally! At the end of the event, the Executive Committee reveals the THON 2024 promotional video and the THON logo to the crowd. 

THON Showcase 

After students return from Winter Break, the excitement for THON Weekend can be felt across campus. THON’s talented performers have the opportunity to give the THON community a sneak peek at what they have prepared for us THON Weekend at the THON Showcase. Singers, dancers, and musicians perform and help to build excitement for all of the entertainment that we will see in a short time. 

THON Weekend 

It’s finally here. The official start of THON Weekend, the 46-hour no sitting, no sleeping, dance marathon is marked by dancers standing up at 6:00 p.m. Dancers enter the Bryce Jordan Center through a human tunnel, cheered on by fellow THON Volunteers. In the moments before standing, dancers make sure to stretch and get situated before standing for 46 hours. The THON 2024 Executive Committee begins a countdown 10 seconds before the anticipated moment, which is finally met with hugs and celebration. For the next 46 hours, dancers will embark on a journey of strength, courage, honesty, and wisdom as they take a stand against childhood cancer. 

Closer to a Cure Celebration 

After THON Weekend, volunteers and supporters celebrate their efforts at the Closer to a Cure celebration, featuring speakers from throughout the THON community. We reflect on our efforts as an organization and prepare to foster in a new year of fighting childhood cancer, For The Kids®. 

Since the first THON in 1973, there have been thousands of students who have danced in the 46-hour dance marathon. Recently, we had the opportunity to catch up with two Alumni who danced way back in the 1990s and hear about the impact it left on their lives.  

To set the scene, let’s take it back to 1993. The theme was “For All the Right Reasons” and THON took place in the White Building, lasting 48 hours. Dan and Leslie Lill (nee Israel) were seniors at Penn State.

Senior year…the last chance to make all those special memories with the amazing people you’ve met throughout your time in college. Well, Dan and Leslie decided to just do that by dancing together in THON as an Independent Dancer Couple, but also as an actual couple.  

When reflecting on what it meant to dance in THON, the couple said, “It meant so much to us! It was one of the proudest achievements in our lives. To be a part of something so meaningful and helpful is overwhelming. It was a true honor, and we feel so fortunate that we were given that amazing opportunity.”  

Little did Dan and Leslie know this at the time, but this wouldn’t be the last time the two of them would be making memories together at THON.  

Fast forward 30 years, and now they have two children attending Penn State. Andrew, a junior studying marketing is a part of THON as a Donor and Alumni Relations Committee Member, and Jordan, a sophomore studying Biobehavioral Health was a Dancer Relations Committee Member for THON 2023. Through their children being involved in THON, the Lills have gotten to see how THON has evolved since their time at Penn State.  

When asked how they think THON has changed for the better, Dan said, “THON has changed for the better by embracing new ways to reach the network of Donors for support. Many of the old ways of fundraising are no longer the way they were so it’s necessary to capture dollars through other means. It must be working given the results this past year during tighter economic times. We’ll need to continue to be creative to get the outreach for years to come in order to keep raising the bar.” 

Like most who are a part of THON in some way, the Lills’ favorite part of the weekend is Total Reveal at the end.  

Recalling her favorite part of THON Weekend 1993, Leslie said, “It would have to be at the end of the 48 hours when they announced the total that we had raised. To know that what we had just done would result in over a million dollars being raised for the Four Diamonds Fund* to help the kids was so amazing and emotional.”  

Dan and Leslie are both looking forward to Total Reveal again this year whether they attend in person or online. 

The Lills are an excellent example of THON not just being something you do for a weekend in February, but instead something that stays with you for life. 

*Now referred to as Four Diamonds 

THON is the world’s largest student-run philanthropy with over 16,500 student volunteers and of alumni and supporters! Students make year-round efforts to raise money to support children and families impacted by childhood cancer. THON Weekend takes place annually in February where hundreds of students participate in a no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon for 46 hours. However, the THON we know today didn’t become what it is until 35 years after the philanthropy’s start.  

The idea of a dance marathon to raise money for childhood cancer was proposed by IFC president Bill Lear in 1972. The first THON Weekend commenced the following year in 1973. Rather than thousands of students gathering in the Bryce Jordan Center (BJC), 78 students participated in what was called the IFC dance marathon. The volunteers danced in the HUB ballroom for 30 hours and raised about $2,000! THON did not become the official name until 1987, fifteen years after the dance marathons debut.

As THON’s numbers began to grow, some changes had to be made. Four years after the first dance marathon Four Diamonds became the sole beneficiary in 1977. In an effort to accommodate the increasing attendance during the dance marathon weekend, it was moved to the White Building in 1979. Then again to Rec Hall in 1999. Most recently in 2007, THON moved to the BJC and shortened the dance period from 48 hours to 46.  

THON’s continuous growth has allowed for many amazing milestones to be reached! In 1983 students raised six figures for the first time. Then in 1992 the million-dollar mark was reached raising $1,141,145.38. The most recent THON Weekend revealed a total of $16,955,683.63. This philanthropy knows no bounds when it comes to helping Four Diamonds children and their families. THON continues to grow and break new records. Throughout the 50+ years of THONs existence, the yearlong efforts that lead us to our beloved THON Weekend has helped 4,700 families. Despite all the changes through the years one thing has stayed consistent, THON’s mission. THON’s evolution has all been done For The Kids® in effort to help more families so one day we can dance in celebration. 

by Sadie Bagdasian 

As the holiday season continues to spread its joy, THON does the same. The gift of giving is a rewarding act of kindness and Penn State students continue to do so for THON all year round. However, with a long winter break and extra time for many, it is a perfect time to share the light of THON with friends and family! Keep reading for different ways you can fundraise and stay involved in THON over break! 

Gift Cards  

A popular time to receive gift cards is typically the holidays! Oftentimes, gift cards go unused, however they could be donated to THON as a part of the Gift Card Initiative. There are specific gift cards THON accepts and credits to your organization or committee. Some include Ace Hardware, Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Giant, Home Depot, iTunes, Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, Staples, Target, Walmart, Wegmans, and Weis. THON does not accept Visa/MasterCard gift cards because they expire. However, THON accepts other gift cards, but they may not be credited to a specific organization or committee. Another way to give gift cards to THON is by going to local stores in your hometown asking for a gift card towards THON. You can find more information about the GCI by going to think.thon.org → fundraising, GCI info → GCI Calling and Email Scripts → GCI Letterhead.  

Ribbon Sales 

The holiday season is a perfect time to host ribbon sales because of all the shoppers going out for gifts! Get together with friends in your area, create ribbons, bring a basket for donations, throw on a mask, and sell ribbons outside of stores! Prior to doing this, make sure you get your fundraiser approved and call the store and ask for permission to ribbon outside of their store.  

Donation Boxes 

Not only can you ribbon outside of stores with permission, but you could go into stores asking if you could leave a donation box in their store during the holiday season. Before returning to campus, pick up the Donation Box and bring it back to school. You can drop it off at the THON office in the HUB and credit your organization or committee! 

Create an Alternative Fundraiser 

The holiday season is a perfect time to plan and set up an alternative fundraiser! It is the season of giving and a great opportunity to give your friends and family something to do or be a part of. Ideas include: selling a holiday gift basket, bracelets, or cards! It is important that you head to https://think.thon.com and make sure you register your alternative fundraiser and receive approval. Once that is done, you are good to go! Proceed with your alternative fundraiser, make it fun, make it creative!  

Towels 

OPP needs towels and rags to keep mats and equipment clean throughout THON Weekend. Athletic training can also use towels for dancers. Going home for the holidays is a perfect time to clean up and clear out old towels or rags your family no longer uses! It is also a perfect time to ask extended family and friends to donate any towels they may have. When you come back for spring semester, Supply Logistics captains will be in the THON office to collect donations. Organizations can receive entries for priority in merch designs depending on how many pounds are donated. Committees can receive THON Wars points. IDC’s can receive extra ticket entries for the lottery! Collecting towels is a perfect opportunity for staying occupied over break!  

Conclusion  

Feeling extra generous during the holiday season? Instead of asking for a gift, share your Donor Drive page link to friends and family! Post on your social media with a holiday themed post. If gifted money for the holidays, promise yourself a portion will be donated to THON. Don’t forget a simple mention of THON is always beneficial and people love the gift of giving.Think.thon.org is always a resource to learn more and become more involved with THON! Use the resources tab for more info … and Happy Holidays! 

Dreams begin in childhood and inspire us to move forward. THON has ignited a selfless pursuit for compassion in the hearts of a generation of young philanthropists who empower themselves and their community to take action for those who still have dreams to fulfill. A community of students, alumni, doctors, nurses, researchers, donors, and families unite for the shared dream of a day when no parent will ever hear the words “your child has cancer.”

The Dream Forward Campaign is a 13-day awareness campaign that will be taking place from October 18 to October 30, 2020. The goal of the campaign is to connect the THON Community to our mission and raise $500,000 in the fight against childhood cancer.

By Chelsea Bauer

Well, this is it, my last THON ever as a Penn State student. As surreal as this journey felt, it also had me thinking, “Wow, I wish I got involved sooner.” Unfortunately for me, I joined my first committee during junior year. Looking back as a senior, I wish I could go back in time and become a part of THON sooner. The happiness and joy THON brought me my last two years at Penn State is indescribable — every memory, laugh and smile a unique moment I’ll cherish forever.

My first time walking into the Bryce Jordan Center was mind-blowing. I could not believe how many students volunteered for such an incredible cause, all to help kids battling pediatric cancer. Throughout the weekend, there was never a time when a student was sitting down; everyone was dancing, laughing and just having a good time. Even some of the student’s parents were dancing. There was so much love and spirit in the air, it was amazing. This experience showed me the true reason Penn State was the school for me, and I don’t regret one minute of my time spent with this organization. It also showed me what family means. I always knew my captain, fellow committee members and everyone in the THON community was there for me and each other. They were strong leaders, with high energy which made me love this experience even more. Once a week leading up to THON we came together as a team and brainstormed ideas for THON Weekend. All of us were there because we wanted to be, not because we had to be. This created such a strong bond and I am confident I will always have my committee members and captain to lean on. Being involved with THON has been one monumental stepping stone in my life and helped shape me into the person I am today. I am forever grateful for my captains, committee members, and everyone who made an impact on this beautiful cause. 

If I could suggest one thing for an incoming freshman, it’s to get involved as much as you can from the first day you step foot on campus. Don’t look back senior year and have regrets because once it’s gone, you’ll wish you could relive it again. Create opportunities with the THON Community, build relationships (they will last forever, I promise), and always be present and a part of every event. Take my advice, a senior about to graduate, that this experience is something you cannot pass up. Be a voice, and help put an end to pediatric cancer, one day at a time.

The weekend is finally here and THON IS TOMORROW! After preparing all year for the most magical event on campus, it can be overwhelming to realize we will begin our 46-hour dance marathon tomorrow. As we embark on this journey together, Julie and I would like to say thank you to everyone who has helped in our efforts this THON year.

To all the dancers who will take on all 46-hours without sitting, remember why you decided to dance, who you are fighting for, and the strength you’re imparting on the children and families impacted by childhood cancer. We are so grateful and proud of you for taking on this challenge. 

To all the committee members, whether this is your first THON or last THON, embrace every single moment! It’s easy to get caught up in the little things, overwhelmed by the work and anxious about your shifts. But remember, you have been working so hard this year to create a successful THON and the time has finally come to see where all of your efforts have gone. THON would not be so successful without you and we truly appreciate all of your help.

To everybody who comes to the BJC, whether it’s for one hour or 40 hours, know that the families and dancers truly appreciate the support. The environment in the BJC during THON Weekend is unmatched due to your positive energy as you cheer in the stands. We could not do this every year without you.

For the families who come to the BJC this weekend, know we are so excited to see you, talk to you, share smiles and laughs with you and of course, learn the line dance with you! We are, and will forever be, inspired by the courage of your family and are so honored to spend the weekend with you.

Thank you to everyone who has supported THON this year! We hope to see you at the BJC this weekend!

Love,

Jordan and Julie 

One of the best ways to re-group during THON Weekend and take some time for yourself is to listen to music! Music can help refresh the mind, enhance touching moments of the weekend, and get you on your feet dancing! THON Weekend is filled with energy and intense emotion, so it’s important to have a playlist that can match all of your moods. Here is the official playlist of THON Weekend!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/03bepYF7n6twMpSY8Lx76g?si=PkQyWTAMTkOKDc_pkl7kNg 

Kill The Lights (Audien Remix) – Alex Newell, Jess Glynne, DJ Cassidy, Nile Rodgers, Audien 

Throwback to the THON 2018 line dance! The energy in this song will blow you away, just like the energy in the BJC all throughout THON Weekend! 

THON Spirit Lyric: I can’t deny the feeling that you’re giving me. You lit the spark that set a fire. 

Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen 

No playlist feels complete without some Queen. This song perfectly highlights the passion and drive of participants during THON Weekend and throughout the year. 

THON Spirit Lyric: I’m a shooting star leaping through the sky, like a tiger defying the laws of gravity. 

Countdown – Beyoncé 

Since we’re counting down the hours all weekend, you might as well listen to a song about a countdown too! Plus, it’s Beyoncé… enough said. 

THON Spirit lyric: Got a lot to learn in this love. Through the good and the bad, still got love. 

I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston 

What kind of a dance marathon playlist would this be without a Whitney Houston song? This 80’s classic will lift your spirits and make you want to move! 

THON Spirit lyric: I wanna dance with somebody. I wanna feel the heat with somebody. 

Never Really Over – Katy Perry 

Another song that will undeniably get you dancing! Plus, it holds true that the spirit of THON Weekend lives on and is “Never Really Over.” 

THON Spirit lyric: Just because it’s over doesn’t mean it’s really over and if I think it over, maybe you’ll be comin‘ over again. 

Faith – Stevie Wonder & Ariana Grande 

This song, from the 2016 animated movie Sing, embodies what it feels like to be surrounded by people you love. 

THON Spirit lyric: You’ve been such a, such a good friend of me, know that I love you somehow. 

1, 2, 3 Dayz Up – Kim Petras & SOPHIE 

Not only does this pop anthem make you want to dance, it’s representative of THON Weekend– up for three days and we never stop! 

THON Spirit lyric: One day up, two days up, three days up… we don’t stop! 

Clarity – Zedd & Foxes 

Who needs coffee anyway? The beat drop in this song will keep you awake and alert throughout the weekend. 

THON Spirit lyric: If our love’s insanity, why are you my clarity? 

Right Where You Should Be (feat. Ashe & Louis Futon) – Quinn XCII 

Another familiar jam! This song was used in the THON 2019 recap video and is perfect for enriching an emotional moment. 

THON Spirit  lyric: Just know that you’re good enough. You are right where you should be. 

Mr. Brightside – The Killers 

Quite plainly, it’s a certified bop. You’re bound to hear it covered by some of the talented musicians playing on stage during the weekend so you might as well brush up on the lyrics. 

THON Spirit lyric: Destiny is calling me, open up my eager eyes ‘cause I’m Mr. Brightside. 

High Hopes – Panic! At The Disco 

Remaining consistent with THON’s message, this inspiring song will make you believe that anything is possible, especially when surrounded by the magic of the BJC during THON Weekend. 

THON Spirit lyric: Didn’t have a dime but I always had a vision. Always had high, high hopes. 

Drift Away – Uncle Kracker 

The smooth melody of this song is great for any time you want to take a moment and “chill out” during the weekend. 

THON Spirit lyric: Give me the beat boys, and free my soul. I want to get lost in your rock and roll and drift away. 

On Top Of The World – Imagine Dragons 

Imagine Dragons have become a staple in any uplifting and powerful playlist. And the lyrics will make you feel like you really are “On Top Of The World”! 

THON Spirit lyric: Been holding it in for a while, ‘ey, take it with me if I can. Been dreaming of this since a child, I’m on top of the world. 

Freedom ‘90 – George Michael 

This song is a 2-for-1: inspiring AND it will get you pumped up! What more could you ask for? 

THON Spirit lyric: But today the way I play the game has got to change, oh yeah. Now I’m gonna get myself happy. 

Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey 

Possibly one of the most popular karaoke songs ever to exist– this classic is almost guaranteed to lift your spirits and get you pumped up at THON! 

THON Spirit lyric: Don’t stop believin’, hold on to that feelin’.