The Logistics of THON 2023

Story posted February 17, 2023 in CommRadio, News by Carly Dell’Oso

THON is a no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon in support of the 4 Diamonds Childhood Cancer Organization. The event takes place in the Bryce Jordan Center, and spans 46 hours in length.

Select students coined as dancers in the Penn State community pledge to attend all 46 hours of the marathon while staying awake and standing for the entire duration. Since THON was established in 1973, 4,800 families have been supported and $204,000,000 have been raised towards finding a cure for pediatric cancer and families affected.

THON is the largest student run philanthropy in the world and it brings the entirety of the Penn State community together. More than 400 clubs and organizations across campus participate in THON by fundraising, sending dancer representatives and pairing with 4 Diamonds families to offer their support.

This year's THON will kick off on Friday, February 17th at 6pm when all the dancers will stand up in unison to begin their 46 hour endeavor. Meanwhile, every club and organization involved, will rush to pack the lower bowl of the Bryce Jordan Center in order to claim their spot for the rest of the weekend.

Once the marathon has commenced, dancers spend their time participating in games, interacting with 4 Diamonds Families and watching live performances. Approximately 16,500 volunteers collectively help to run the event to its highest potential.

As the event nears its end, the final four hours are the most attended because of the countdown to the reveal of the total amount of money raised for the 4 Diamonds Childhood Cancer Organization.

This year's student leaders are actively looking to “foster the magic” and beat last year's total of $13,756,374.50 all in support of the kids.

Carly Dell’Oso is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email ced5690@psu.edu.

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Carly Dell’Oso

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Carly Dell’Oso is a first-year student at Penn State University and intends to dual-major in broadcast journalism and marketing. This is her first semester being a member of Comm Radio, and she has been doing work in the Arts and Entertainment Department. Carly currently has a weekly DJ set on Thursday mornings where she plays and chats about a few of her favorite songs from that week. In the coming weeks, Carly plans to have a weekly lifestyle podcast, and possibly a talkshow as well. Outside of Comm Radio, Carly is a part of Women in Business. She attends weekly events in a range of categories such as social, corporate, and community service to name a few. In the spring, Carly plans on joining a sorority so that she can be a part of impactful philanthropic work, meet new people, and make great connections. In the future, Carly hopes to better her knowledge of both broadcast journalism and marketing to be successful in her future.