THON 2016 has come and gone within the blink of an eye. After a yearlong fundraising effort by the Penn State THON community, student volunteers raised an astonishing $9,770,332.32.
After spending 46 hours inside the Bryce Jordan Center, the 708 dancers have hopefully fully recovered from the weekend festivities of no sleeping or sitting.
Not every Penn Stater decides to participate in THON, as it is not for everyone. However, it’s a tradition that Penn State holds each year. As a student, I highly suggest experiencing it at least once in your student career. It might not be for everyone, but it’s an experience that is life-changing for most.
Below is a list of 12 reasons why you, as a Penn State student, should experience THON at least once. Whether you choose to get involved is one thing, but entering the BJC at least once to see what it’s all about it a must.
It’s the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.
There are approximately 15,000 student volunteers that participate in THON each year. That makes it the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. Other universities have dance marathons but they just simply do not compare to Penn State’s THON. They don’t last as long and don’t raise nearly as much money.
Penn State students are coming together to make a difference.
Let’s face it. Going to school with over 40,000 undergraduate students presents a unique opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Despite how different everyone is on campus, Penn State student unite for this one event. Student volunteers come together despite their differences to make an impact in the lives of so many THON families.
The money benefits the Four Diamonds Fund.
The Four Diamonds Fund was created by Charles and Irma Millard after the passing of their 14-year-old son Christopher. The foundation helps create funds to support pediatric cancer research. The more research there is for pediatric cancer, the more opportunities there are to find a cure for this horrific disease.
Children. Children everywhere! Yes, babies too!
One of the best parts of THON weekend is seeing all the children running around the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center. THON families from all over Pennsylvania come to celebrate at THON. Whether they are cured or still fighting cancer, THON is a great place for children to let go of their issues. Seeing the smiles of children all over is just such a rewarding part of the weekend. It makes THON even more special.
The line dance is always a fun time with great pop-culture references.
The line dance never disappoints. There are always great references to pop-culture that any college student can relate to. During the THON 2016 line dance, there were many clever references that students loved. Penn State sports were mentioned, such as hockey and football. A jab was thrown to Tom Brady and his deflated footballs as well as the FIFA executive committee. Adele’s comeback was mentioned all with the return of Star Wars. Those are just some of the popular references that THON cleverly mentioned in the 2016 line dance.
Great bands come to perform.
For the most part, famous celebrities stay out of THON. THON doesn’t want to take away from the true purpose. There are great local bands that come out and never disappoint. State College favorite My Hero Zero always performs. Go Go Gadget lights up the BJC during the final hour each year, which is one of the most anticipated performances. They always put on a great show.
The “WE ARE” chants shake the BJC.
The “WE ARE” chants get louder and louder each year. James Franklin led a super loud chant this year that could probably be heard miles away. Next year, can we break the sound barrier? I sure hope so!
The concept of time doesn’t exist during THON weekend.
THON dancers usually are unaware of the time throughout the weekend. 46 hours is a rather long time to be on your feet. Therefore taking away the element of time makes the weekend more bearable for the dancers. There is no reason to worry about what time it is while you are in the BJC during the weekend. Whether it’s 3 a.m. or 3 p.m., it’s always a party throughout the weekend. The line dance always puts people in a great mood, no matter what the real time is.
Looking around the BJC will give you chills.
I dare you to take one long look around the Bryce Jordan Center. It’s a sea of colors throughout the weekend. The vivid colors that are everywhere makes the atmosphere even more magical. Make sure to take plenty of pictures.
The temporary pain in your feet is nothing like the pain THON families have to endure each day.
There is no doubt that your feet will hurt by the end of the weekend, especially if you decide to complete all 46 hours. However, that temporary pain is nothing like what the THON families have to go through. Don’t complain about the pain you might be facing. Instead, just put a smile on your face. Those smiles will surely make THON families excited. What you are doing for them makes such a difference and I know for certain they want to thank each volunteer for what they do. Believe it or not, but standing for long hours makes the world of a difference, It brings more awareness to a terrible illness that will hopefully be cured.
Inspirational stories.
These speeches will leave you with goosebumps. When families and children share their stories, they will inspire you to want to make a difference and get involved. Hearing these stories make the weekend even better.
Family hour.
I urge you to once attend the final four hours of THON weekend. Family hour especially is life-changing. Hearing stories from THON families will help you realize how much of an impact THON makes on these families. You will shed multiple tears, but it makes it that much more special.
Every Penn State should experience at least one THON weekend as a student. Whether you decide to get involved or not is one thing, but just seeing what THON really is will show you what makes it so special. FTF! FTC! FTK!
