Posted on 02/22/2015 3:46:04 PM PST by FlJoePa
UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State’s THON made a statement. Again.
The 2015 Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, affectionately known as THON, was held this past weekend at the Bryce Jordan Center on the campus of Penn State University. After 46 hours of dancing, it was revealed that the organization raised $13,026,653.23 during the past year.
THON is a year-long fundraising campaign for the fight against pediatric cancer. Money raised is donated to the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children’s Hospital in Hershey.
This marks the first time since 2004 that THON raised less money than the previous year. Last year’s total was $13,343,517.33. The 2015 THON theme was Empower the Dreamers.
Josie Bachman, a Penn State student from Drums, was on the floor as a dancer for the first time. As an independent dancer, Bachman had to raise money to be selected to dance. She initially raised $800 and was selected in a lottery in early February.
It’s was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, she said.
“It’s honestly been amazing,” Bachman said. “I’ve been on a committee for the past few years and now I’ve seen the other side of it. Dancing has completely exceeded my expectations. I can’t believe it happened.”
For 46 hours, dancers must remain on their feet. The event began Friday at 6 p.m. and culminated with the fundraising total reveal at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Throughout the event, numerous activities were available for the dancers, including live music and appearances from household names, such as Penn State football coach James Franklin.
But for Bachman, the 46 hours wasn’t a big deal.
“It’s a mental thing,” Bachman said. “If you tell yourself you can do it, you can do it.”
Penn State Wilkes-Barre student Ryan McDermott, a sophomore from the Stroudsburg area, is dancing out of the Lehman campus with fellow student Kaitlyn Benczkowski, a Bear Creek resident.
Throughout the marathon, dancers have support from morale dancers. McDermott’s was extremely important in him getting through the weekend, he said.
“It has been an absolute blast,” McDermott said. “It’s exhausting but it’s amazing in every way, shape and form.”
McDermott said the morale dancers went as far as taking his cell phone and changing the time zone, so the dancers didn’t know what time it actually was.
“You just lost track of time,” he said. “It’s pretty awesome, though. Our minds are occupied.”
Franklin addressed the crowd for approximitely three minutes. In turn, he and his family donated $13,000 to THON. He’s been the head coach at Penn State for 13 months. During that time, he said, both of his daughters, Shola and Addy, each saved money to donate to the cause.
“I can’t express to you guys how much you empower and how much you inspire not only the Penn State community but the entire country,” Franklin said. “Football is just a small part of this university.”
Also in attendance was Sue Paterno, wife of long-time Penn State football coach Joe Paterno. She was on the floor for the final four hours dancing and interacting with the students and families.
She said she comes to the event each year to support.
“It would break my heart not to be here,” she said. “You want to keep coming back. It’s miraculous what they do.”
During the year, student organizations across the state and country make contributions to THON. Students from the Penn State campuses set up canning drives, as well. Since THON’s inception in 1973, the donation total has hit more than $127 million.
The final four hours of the event are the most emotional. A recognition of all the families battling childhood cancer was observed, including family speeches. When dancers finally sat at 4 p.m., the fundraising total was revealed.
Penn actually is guilty of harboring and protecting a pedophile. His name is Scott Ward. Maybe you should google him.
This story is about Penn State’s students though. Two unrelated subjects.
This story is about Penn State’s students though.
Sandusky's victims weren't Penn State students.
They don't count in your equation, right?
Now, back to the Penn Press Office for more good news!
Your relentless and unceasing cheerleading for the Dead Paternos has as much chance of driving people off this forum as anything else.
Obviously what you know about this would all fit nicely on the head of a pin.
Agenda much?
You’re so ill-informed you admittedly don’t know the difference between Penn and Penn State. Maybe it’s time you just bow out of this thread before you are further exposed. In other words, just go away.
I'm simply here to point out that your sole purpose on this forum is the rehabilitation of The Sacred Paternos and the protection racket that is the state of Pennsylvania, corrupt to the core.
Shame on you.
And look what you got in return.
Hehe. Worst posters on FR, bar none.
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