Youth-Led Philanthropy and a 46-Hour Dance-a-THON

I danced for 35 out of the 46 hours and while there was nothing but pain in my feet, I felt nothing but pride in my heart! Blasting music, bright lights, and thousands of cheering, enthusiastic college students greeted me as I entered the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State University for THON 2012. THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the country and is a 46-hour dance marathon raising money for pediatric cancer and The Four Diamonds Foundation. This year, Penn State University students, faculty, alumni and friends raised $10,686,924.83.

The mission of The Four Diamonds Fund is “to conquer childhood cancer by assisting children treated at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital and their families through superior care, comprehensive support, and innovative research.” Four Diamonds staff members were in attendance at the event as well as many of the Four Diamonds families. Children were a strong presence at THON and were definitely the stars of the weekend!

I was introduced to THON in 2010 while serving as International President for Circle K International, the world’s largest student-led community service organization for college students. Even though I’ve never been a Penn State student, I was still welcomed with open arms to participate in the event. I’ve now attended two THON weekends and can honestly say that they have been the two most inspiring weekends of my life. Standing alongside more than 15,000 college students and sharing a weekend full of dancing, laughter, crying, and emotions is something that I will never forget. It’s so powerful to see an entire campus come together to raise awareness and funds for a cause. Student leaders like this give me hope for a strong future!

View the THON recap video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtHboPJomZU

 Photos provided by the THON committee.