Posted on 02/21/2009 7:28:59 AM PST by FlJoePa
UNIVERSITY PARK — Second by second, note by note, the anticipation grew.
After a year of planning and fundraising, the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon was ready. Videos of past Thons, pulsating tunes and a gyrating Nittany Lion on stage pumped up the seated dancers filling the Bryce Jordan Center floor.
Then came the chanted countdown, cheers erupting at zero as spotlights swirled around the arena and beach balls cascaded from the ceiling.
With that, the biggest party on campus kicked into gear.
“Get ready for the best weekend of your life,” said 2009 Thon Chairman Mike Hacke on Friday to the more than 700 Penn State students embarking on the annual 46-hour test of endurance to support children with cancer and pediatric cancer research.
Last year, Thon raised about $6.6 million for The Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children’s Hospital. Since 1977, Thon has given more than $52 million to the fund.
(Excerpt) Read more at centredaily.com ...
If you are in the area - go! If you can somehow contribute, please do so. These kids put in a lot of time and have raised a ton of money over the years for a fantastic cause.
View this video of Katie and see what can happen. Truly an inspiring story.
I am looking at my Grandfather’s diploma on my office wall. The Pennsylvania State College. Awarded June 5th 1933. Mechanical Engineering. When my dad attended, Jo Pa was an assistant coach!
Missed all that, but in earlier decades similar philanthropic efforts occured during Spring Fling, a week long event. Penn State’s Greeks have always been generous types!
Hey, maybe with the economy tanking and so many people out of work, the Dance Marathons of the 30’s will be revived all over the country.
They wouldn't remove it simply because I hotlinked it from FR, would they? If so, they are truly scum.
Go to YOuTube and enter keyword THON. You’ll get videos from past years (it may be too early for some from this year) and each one will make your screen go blurry. The Four Diamonds Fund (financed by THON) does tremendous work.
Of course, you’ll hear more about that rapper who beat up his girlfriend. No room in the press for good news.
Anyway, I wish more people would see it. I know times are tough, but either Go or Give. Even if it is just a few bucks. That beautiful Katie is proof that money in the right hands can do great things.
You can watch live here!
I'm proud to be a Penn Stater everyday, but even more today!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.