Campus Life

Penn State Berks to host THON dancer send-off week

Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

WYOMISSING, Pa. — Penn State Berks is showing support for the four student dancers who are representing the college at THON, the dance marathon to benefit families battling pediatric cancer, with “Dancer Week” from Feb. 16 to 20. The week will culminate with a dancer send-off on Thursday, Feb. 20. This year’s dancers include senior Zachary Guthrie; junior Trent Weister; sophomore Trey Campbell; and first-year student Miranda Hillyard.

Reading Royals Night

Sunday, Feb. 16, 4 p.m., Santander Arena
The Berks County Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association, the Penn State Berks Benefiting THON student organization, and the Reading Royals are teaming up to hold a fundraising event to benefit THON. Tickets for the game start at $10 for higher-level seats and $18 to $22 for lower-level general public seating. For more information and to order tickets, visit: psuberkschapter.com/events/hockey or contact the Berks County Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association via email at events@psuberkschapter.com.  

46-Minute Dance Marathon

Monday, Feb. 17, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Perkins Student Center Lobby, 2nd Floor
Every year more than 700 dancers enter the Bryce Jordan Center to begin a 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon. Berks Benefiting THON will provide a glimpse into THON weekend by bringing a 46-minute version of THON to campus. This event is free and open to the public.

Karaoke Night

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 7–9 p.m., Tully’s Dining Center, Perkins Student Center

Students, faculty, staff and members of the community are invited to Berks Benefiting THON Karaoke Night. This event is free and open to the public.

Dancer Desserts

Wednesday, Feb. 19, Tully’s Dining Center, Perkins Student Center
Tully’s Dining Center will have a display featuring the favorite desserts of Berks THON dancers.

Dancer Send-off

Thursday, Feb. 20, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Lion’s Den, Perkins Student Center
The Penn State Berks community will come together to support Berks Benefiting THON dancers–and the student organization members who travel with them–during this pep rally. This event is free and open to the public.

In 2019, the grand total raised by THON overall was $10,621,683.73. Penn State Berks raised $44,671.39, ranking fourth among all Penn State campuses for fundraising events and activities throughout the year.

From Friday, Feb. 21, to Sunday, Feb. 23, Penn State students from every campus will gather at the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State University Park for THON, the 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon to benefit Four Diamonds, which supports families battling pediatric cancer.

For more information or to make a donation, visit donate.thon.org. Go to "Credited Donation" and click DONATE, then select “Penn State Berks Benefiting THON” to credit Penn State Berks with your donation.

About THON
In 1977, the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, known as THON, established its relationship with the Four Diamonds at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Four Diamonds directly assists the families at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, while funding research in pursuit of a cure. To date, THON has contributed more than $136 million to support children and their families fighting pediatric cancer. Every year, more than 16,000 student volunteers devote their time and effort to raise money through fundraising events. The hard work of each and every volunteer culminates every February during THON weekend for a 46-hour dance marathon celebration in the Bryce Jordan Center at University Park.

Berks Benefiting THON at Penn State Berks works collaboratively with THON at Penn State University Park to raise funds and spread awareness of pediatric cancer. The student organization holds fundraisers throughout the year, including a 5K run/walk, Vera Bradley and Sports Bingo event, and an Inspire the Night Dinner, just to name a few.

Last Updated February 14, 2020