THON 2017: What You Need to Know

At 6 p.m., more than 700 Penn State students will stand up on the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center and for the next 46 hours will stay on their feet.

Throughout the weekend they will be joined by thousands of student volunteers, as well as many of the families for whom they are doing this.

THON 2017 has arrived.

The annual no-sitting, no-sleeping Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. This year THON is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its support of the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Since 1977, THON has raised nearly $137 million for the Four Diamonds to provide financial support for pediatric cancer patients and their families as well as facilities and research.

It is also the 45th anniversary of the first THON, with the event supporting various charities for it first few years.

“This year’s theme ‘Igniting Hope Within’ uses the symbol of a firefly that literally ignites a light within itself to represent the carefree mindset of a child,” THON 2017 Public Relations Director Sam Sherlock said. “The hope is that for these 46 hours, kids can forget about their cancer diagnosis and remember what it means to be a kid.” 

Here’s what you need to know about THON 2017.

WHO: More than 400 Penn State student organizations participate in THON, with 16,500 volunteers and 708 dancers that raise funds year-round for the Four Diamonds Fund and spend time with pediatric cancer patients and their families, many of whom also will be in attendance throughout the weekend.

WHAT: The 46-hour dance marathon is the culmination of a yearlong effort and has developed many traditions over the years. Musical and dance performances, an annually customized line dance performed throughout the weekend, slides of strength, and many more activities have come to be expected. Some of the most popular times at THON include the Saturday night pep rally featuring hundreds of Penn State student-athletes, and the final four hours, which include Family Hour, where Four Diamonds families share their stories from the stage, and the final fundraising total reveal at 4 p.m.

WHEN: THON begins at 4 p.m. Friday and concludes at 6 p.m. Sunday.

WHERE: This will mark THON’s 10th year in the Bryce Jordan Center. From 1999 through 2006, THON was held in Rec Hall. The event had its start in the HUB in 1973, and moved to White Building in 1979, where it stayed for the next two decades.

WHY: For The Kids. The Four Diamonds Fund offsets the cost of treatment that insurance does not cover, along with other expenses, so that no family of a pediatric cancer patient at Penn State Hershey has to pay for care. It also makes possible for 24 specialty care providers to be exclusively available for the needs of pediatric cancer patients, and supports cancer research at Penn State Children’s Hospital. Last year, THON raised $9.78 million.

Donate: Make a donation to THON and learn more about the organization at THON.org

Special advisories
– CATA to Offer 24-Hour Loop Service During THON; Parking and Traffic Changes Announced 

– Penn State Confirms Third Case of Mumps, Asks Students to Use Judgment in Attending THON

– Metal detectors will be in place at the entrances to the Bryce Jordan Center

Coverage: StateCollege.com and OnwardState.com will have coverage throughout the weekend. Penn State’s live video stream will be posted on StateCollege.com at the start of THON as well.

In addition to our websites, you can follow us for coverage on social media
Facebook: StateCollege.com | Onward State
Twitter: StateCollege.com | Onward State
Instagram: StateCollege.com | Onward State

Earlier Stories: Check our THON page for features and information leading up to THON 2017.