Virtual Celebration of 100 Days ‘Til THON Held Wednesday

Story posted November 12, 2020 in THON 2021 by Kira Sarsfield.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — With THON only 100 days away, Penn State hosted the 100 Days ‘Til THON event Wednesday both in-person and virtually to excite students, faculty and alumni for THON 2021.

As a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Penn State’s 2021 dance marathon has already been switched to a virtual event.

However, this transition has not stopped THON orgs and independent dancer couples (IDCs) from raising money for the Four Diamonds Fund.

Bingo boards, food fundraisers and more continue to pop up on social media platforms to receive donations towards THON. At the end of the day, it’s all For The Kids.

So, what did this event look like virtually? Below is a list of the events that happened virtually via Facebook Live.

11:00 a.m.: Introduction and start of 100 Days

11:10 a.m: DR line dance #1

12:00 p.m.: Family speaker

1:00 p.m.: THON Idol

2:50 p.m.: DR line dance #2

2:55 p.m.: Human photo reveal

3:05 p.m.: Closing remarks

3:10 p.m.: THON 2021 logo reveal

For the virtual event, the family speaker was Ashley Bryant, who spoke on behalf of her late son, Tyler. Tyler had an inoperable brain tumor and passed away in June 2016.

Bryant detailed Tyler’s story, reminding the audience of his strength and endurance throughout his fight. She mentioned that the Penn State students involved in Tyler’s life gave her family strength to continue while she took care of Tyler in the hospital.

“Losing him was one of the hardest, gut-wrenching things we’ve ever been through,” Bryant said. “But because of THON, we have gained so much.”

“Nothing will ever replace losing Tyler, but because of everything you guys do outside of raising money, my other two children have gotten to go to Hersheypark with a whole bunch of teenagers who absolutely had a blast when I couldn’t give that to them,” Bryant continued.

At the end of the event, the THON 2021 logo was revealed to all viewers on the live stream.

 

Kira Sarsfield is a sophomore majoring in advertising and public relations. To contact her, email kms7768@psu.edu.

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