THON Family Carnival: From Superheroes to ‘Inspiring Tomorrow’s Miracles’

Clad in blue capes that read, ‘We Are Superheroes, We are For the Kids,’ THON committee members and children alike zipped around the White Building, dancing to music, piling toppings high on ice cream sundaes and getting their faces painted at the annual Interfraternitity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon Family Carnival. 

THON 2013 is just over two months away, and the carnival is another opportunity for THON volunteers and Four Diamonds families to interact. Even with record-breaking totals raised for the Four Diamonds Fund each year, the number one goal of THON is to provide moral and emotional support for the children and their families dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cancer.

THON Media Relations Captain Victoria Maseda said the carnival has its own theme each year, independent of the overall THON theme, and this year’s – superheroes – was designed as an event for the entire family to enjoy. 

‘THON is a year long effort, not just that dance marathon in February. Having these events throughout the whole entire year shows the families that we’re here for them, they’re not alone, Maseda said.

‘An event like this is just a really fun atmosphere so we can not only show support to the [children] but the siblings.’

The THON Family Carnival was held in the White Building from noon to 4 p.m., with the THON logo reveal as the event wrapped. The theme, ‘Inspiring tomorrow’s miracles today,’ will characterize the world’s largest student run philanthropy through 2013. 

Many families, like the Mummert family, were THON Family Carnival veterans and thankful for another year to share in a day that was about nothing for than fun, For The Kids.