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®. 

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.