UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, at the Bryce Jordan Center (BJC) on the University Park campus, more than 700 students will stay on their feet for 46 consecutive hours during the 2024 Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON).
Now in its 52nd year, THON is the world’s largest student-run philanthropy. The event has raised more than $219 million for Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, benefiting pediatric cancer patients and their families and supporting pediatric cancer research.
For those who cannot attend the event in person at the BJC, there are multiple ways to tune in and stay connected to THON throughout the weekend.
46 LIVE THON livestream
46 LIVE, a student-run organization in Penn State’s Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, will once again produce the THON livestream, which will be hosted on the official THON website.
The students’ work gives the livestream a professional feel, especially with the creation and use of prerecorded videos featuring interviews with dancers and THON families. The livestream also showcases the Penn State community and people who are looking to spread appreciation for THON.
This year, the livestream includes a round-the-clock production team comprising more than 80 students with nine cameras.
Viewers may watch the livestream at THON.org/livestream beginning at 4 p.m. Feb. 16, when dancers will begin to arrive at the BJC. The livestream runs until the fundraising total is revealed shortly after the dancers will be instructed to sit at 4 p.m. Feb. 18.
Learn more about the work of 46 LIVE to produce the THON livestream here.
Special THON coverage to air on five TV stations at 7:30 p.m. Saturday
For the third consecutive year, 6ABC (WPVI-TV) in Philadelphia will showcase THON, airing a live, half-hour telecast from the BJC at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17. The exclusive underwriter for the broadcast will be Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.
“Dancing For a Cure — Live From THON” will be hosted by 6ABC’s Walter Perez, Brittany Boyer and Caroline Goggin, a Penn State alumna who danced in THON in her senior year.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside Four Diamonds, Penn State Health and 6ABC to showcase the passion and dedication of the THON community,” said Will Vincent, executive director of THON. “The work that THON does is truly so special, and seeing this community come together to fight for a future without childhood cancer is the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed. I cannot wait to share the story of THON and show the world what makes this mission and this organization so special.”
The program also will be syndicated to television markets in the Northeast. With its syndication partners, roughly 11% of American homes will have access to the program.
The following stations will simulcast the program:
-
WABC New York
-
WTAE Pittsburgh
-
WPMT York
-
WATM Altoona/State College
THON coverage on Penn State social media
Penn State’s official social media platforms will provide photo and video coverage of THON throughout the weekend:
A year-round effort
THON is a year-round effort to raise money in the fight against childhood cancer, with more than 16,500 student volunteers participating annually. Each spring, new student leadership is selected. During the summer, the student volunteers conduct outreach with smaller fundraising efforts and pay visits to Four Diamonds families affected by childhood cancer. In the fall, the planning for the dance marathon kicks into high gear. The students mobilize all the team captains, and THON Weekend begins to take shape.
THON is programmed and produced entirely by Penn State students who configure the Bryce Jordan Center, build the stage, manage the concessions and handle all the custodial duties. And, of course, more than 700 student dancers stay on their feet for 46 hours straight.
“The hard work and generosity of everyone involved with THON ensures that young people battling cancer can receive the most advanced care at our Children’s Hospital at no cost to their families,” said Dr. Giselle Sholler, professor of pediatrics and division chief – pediatric hematology/oncology at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. “The money raised for Four Diamonds helps our physicians, clinical researchers and scientists in their efforts to better understand, treat and cure pediatric cancers.”