Penn State's Thon sets new record, raises more than $17M to help fight childhood cancer
The 2025 total was revealed Sunday afternoon, after more than 700 dancers inside the Bryce Jordan Center sat down for the first time in 46 hours. As each number was revealed for the yearlong fundraising effort, the BJC erupted in cheers — from the thousands of students on the floor to the crowds packing the arena.
This year's efforts beat the $16.95 million raised in 2024 by nearly $800,000. It makes more than $250 million raised by Thon since 1977.
Thon's sole beneficiary is Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children's Hospital in Hershey, and the money raised ensures that families never see a medical bill or the financial burden of cancer, Thon's website states. Donations also help fund cancer research.
The first night of Thon was headlined by the Grammy-nominated band The Fray, playing hits like 'Look After You' and 'How to Save a Life.' Joe King, the lead singer, raised the spirits of the dancers three hours into the event.
'It's an incredible, incredible cause — we are thankful to be here to participate in this incredible moment,' he told the crowd on Friday night.
On the second day, the pep rally and the kids and teen's talent show were among highlights.
'Thon is more than just a weekend, it's a lifestyle that brings us together,' Sam Coffey, a Penn State alum who's an Olympic gold medalist and National Women's Soccer League player, said in a video message to the BJC.
Later on Saturday night, dancers received a total of 20,938 letters from family and friends. Every dancer got at least one letter, for the biggest total in the event's history.
Sunday featured the emotional 'family hour' where Thon families share their stories, before dancers were told at 4 p.m. that they could finally sit.
The total reveal also included the organizations and individuals that raised the most money toward the Thon 2025 total.
The independent couple that raised the most was Brooke and Jordan Petrone, with more than $51,000 raised.
The commonwealth campus that raised the most was Fayette, with $76,046.43.
The general organization that raised the most was Phi Gamma Nu with $269,881.89.
The Greek organization that raised the most was Alpha Tau Omega and Zeta Tau Alpha, with $529,003.97.
The special interest organization that raised the most was Atlas with a total of $224,275.80.
The committee that raised the most was Thon Family Relations.
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