Pricing (includes Pay Pal option) 

Four Diamond Families - Created about 3 hours before the end of THON on Sunday evening when all families benefiting from the money raised had been announced and were on the stage.

THON History - Way back in 1973, the interfraternity council started a dance marathon help rebuild a deteriorating campus image. When the fundraiser of 1973 finished, 17 couples were standing and more than $2000.00 had been raised. At that time the money was split between the dancers and a worthy charity chosen by the interfraternity council president.

Thirty five years later the dance marathon had “morphed” into the name THON and had partnered with Hershey Medical Center (thanks in large part to Jimmy Cefelo, Penn State’s All American wide receiver in 1978). This agreement was contingent upon all monies being used towards pediatric cancer. Now, thirty five years later, the dancers have increased to over 700 and the new unbelievable record for 2008 was $6,615,318.04 raised through “canning” and individual and corporate donors.

If you haven’t been to one of these events, please go because is very emotional. The families and their children are introduced and incredible enthusiasm is generated. I don’t care how conservative or pessimistic your personality is, you have to come away from that weekend with a renewed outlook on life and the young people of our great nation. The weekend is traditionally held the last weekend of February in the Bryce Jordan Center. Look at these pictures and see what has happened because a few students decided to have a dance marathon in 1973. Look at the 17,000 plus students, parents and participants filling up the Bryce Jordan Center.

Tom Mairs, 800-884-5250, lionphoto@verizon.net