Local campus top THON fund-raiser
A sign greeting guests to Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, extends a heartfelt congratulations to this year’s THON dance team for recapturing the branch campus championship title. The team locally raised $43,543 since October for children with pediatric cancer.
Donations will go to the Four Diamonds Fund, which allocates financial support to families with children battling pediatric cancer.
The charity this year celebrated its 30th year partnered with Penn State’s Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON).
This year, 26 team members, all students of Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, shattered this year’s goal of $40,000 and helped to obliterate a Penn State University record by contributing to an overall $5.2 million fund-raising total.
Fund-raising activity culminated in a 46-hour whirlwind weekend of no sleeping or no sitting, where six top student fund-raisers – dancers of the 2007 THON team – marked the 10th year of the campus’ involvement.
The dance marathon was held Feb. 16, 17 and 18 in the Bryce Jordan Center on the main campus. Twelve thousand people packed the center to cheer on thousands of Penn State students.
Chad Long, Penn State Fayette THON team adviser and director of student affairs, said Wednesday it was a proud moment when he heard his team regained the title to take home first place, defeating fund-raising totals of 19 other branch campuses in the state.
“I was so absolutely proud,” he said.
Throughout its 10 years of involvement, Penn State Fayette has captured first place eight times and second place twice. Long said the campus’ 10-year fund-raising total is $375,000.
“This campus has raised more money and won more championships than any other campuses,” Long said.
THON chairwoman Amanda Newell explained the reason for the local outpouring of support simply as a “small campus with a big heart.”
Team members said it is difficult to describe the feeling experienced at the final THON event, but when team members walked into the Bryce Jordan Center packed with 12,000 people for the culminating event of the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, they got it.
“The energy just slaps you in the face,” said dancer Bobby Durany. “You just have to go.”
Through swollen ankles and a rough final stretch, the dancers said two major factors kept them motivated during the 46 hours: the children who benefit from the fund raising and support from their fellow teammates, who cheered from the stands.
“The pain we went through is nothing compared to the pain these kids go through every day in their lives,” said dancer Jon Wik. “Just when you feel like you’re going to fall asleep, having one pat you on the back – it makes it all worthwhile.”
“They make you feel like a rock star,” added dancer Ellen Rogers.
For team dancer Hilary Griffith, the most significant events in her life have competition when it comes to matching THON.
“My wedding and the birth of my first child – they have something to live up to,” Griffith said.
Many team members said it was a life-changing experience.
Team member Shaina Jamieson, who is wheelchair-bound, said being a part of THON was the best experience she ever had in her life.
“Many do not realize our generation is out there helping with big problems, such as finding a cure for pediatric cancer,” said Jamieson.
“Now they know. We are the ones helping. This is for the kids.”
The team encouraged their fellow students and the community to be a part of next year’s event.
“You make friendships for life, while getting closer to finding a cure for pediatric cancer,” said Newell.
“Everything really was a team effort.”
Team members were Newell, Durany, Griffith, Rogers, Jamieson, Wik, Tom Smith, Ashley Gumbert, Elizabeth Bartholow, Merchant Brownfield, Sarah Chess, Ryan Edsall, Dave Fecek, Mike Ganci, Sarah Geska, Dan Hall, Brigette Hovanic, Noelle Kahle, Ryan Lowery, Will Miller, Seth Prentice, John Brant, Janice Collins, Sara Micoli, Mandee Reese and Jenn Spano.
For more details, visit www.thon.org.