Latest news with #FourDiamonds
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Local schools set to host Mini-THON activities
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Students at Bishop McCort Catholic and Westmont Hilltop high schools are gearing up to host Mini-THON events to benefit the Four Diamonds organization, which helps families who are battling childhood cancer. Bishop McCort will celebrate its 10th anniversary of Mini-THON from 7 p.m. March 21 to 7 a.m. March 22. 'The impact is most important because every single donation, even if it's just $1, can change someone's life,' said senior Sydney Kaminsky, event chairwoman. 'If McCort can make a difference that's something that we want to do,.' This year's theme is 'Let's Glow Crazy for Kids!' It will feature glow-in-the-dark decorations with neon and blacklights. Kaminsky said the event will kick off with a prayer service. 'We'll have a dance party for about two hours and then we'll split up and do different activities,' she said. 'We'll have meals throughout the night, and this year we're having a masked singer event. We'll also have different sporting events and tournaments along with inflatables, challenges for prizes, a mini golf room, a tie-dye station, arts and crafts and board games.' Kaminsky said about 150 students are expected to take part. 'Everyone involved has been trying to find sponsorships, and each person has their own donor drive where they can ask friends and family for donations,' she said. 'Everybody looks forward to it.' This year's goal is $45,000. To date, Bishop McCort has raised $270,000 for Four Diamonds. 'It's incredible that even as a small high school we've been able to make that big of a difference, and it feels really good,' Kaminsky said. 'Every year our goal gets bigger and we raise more money. We try to make the event as big as possible and spread the word.' To donate to Bishop McCort's Mini-THON, visit Westmont Hilltop brought back its Mini-THON last year to great success and organizers are hoping to surpass expectations this year. 'We're raising money for a good cause; it's all for the kids,' said senior Joseph Nibert, event chairman. 'Everyone loves Penn State's THON, and we want to foster that same environment.' The event will run from 6 p.m. March 21 to 6 a.m. March 22. 'It's 12 hours long, and we'll have meals throughout the night along with a different activity every hour,' Nibert said. 'We'll have sports tournaments like dodgeball, volleyball and spikeball, and there will be games like 'Family Feud' and trivia, karaoke and dancing contests.' He said 145 students plan to participate in the event. 'It's a long night, but everyone really makes the best of it,' Nibert said. 'It's a lot of fun because we're all there together in a great environment.' He said this year's goal is $30,000, but they've already hit that mark. 'Now we're trying to push to $40,000,' Nibert said. 'We've reached out to local businesses asking them to be a sponsor, but most of the money is raised by the students who ask friends and family to donate.' He said it's awesome to see so many students wanting to fundraise and be a part of the experience. 'This is a selfless service, and we're raising money for a greater cause,' Nibert said. 'It gives students something to look forward to, and it's a fun event while you're doing a good thing.' Those interested in donating to Westmont Hilltop's Mini-THON can visit
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
THON 2025 breaks previous fundraising record by more than $700K
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WTAJ) — THON 2025 ended on another record-breaking high note at the Bryce Jordan Center Sunday. The totals for each category were announced in the arena, ending the fundraising event by revealing the total amount raised for this year broke the previous record. 'It's like a full circle moment. I really love being involved in THON, like, my [organization] is actually up there right now. And, I mean, I would always be in the stands with them. And now it's like they're cheering me on after all the family relations work that I've done through college. So it's an amazing time,' Aayod Kaul, a THON Dancer said. The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon raised exactly $17,737,040.93 for Four Diamonds, surpassing last year's record by more than $780,000. The 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping marathon began on Friday at 6 p.m., and more than 700 dancers participated to support pediatric cancer research. 'THON is for something bigger than yourself. I think everyone has this like internal feeling of wanting to do something more. And THON is just something more. It's a bunch of college kids banding together in pursuit of a cure, and that's all we can ask for. It's great,' Maddy Chlystek, a THON Dancer and Senior at Penn State said. Penn State Trustees approve $92M renovation plan In THON's final hours, there were performances, the line dance, and family hour where families and those affected by childhood cancer shared their stories. There was also a moment to remember those who lost their battle with cancer. For the Bigler family, THON will always hold a special place in their heart. 'This is our seventeenth THON. Eleventh without her. It just feels like she's here with us. That's why we just keep coming back. To honor her every year,' Marsha Bigler said. Her daughter Dominique, passed away in 2014 after a battle with cancer. Since 1977 THON has raised more than $236 million for Four Diamonds. The plan is to do it again next year and raise more money For The Kids. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
PENN STATE THON™ RAISES $17.7 MILLION FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER, BREAKING ALL-TIME ANNUAL FUNDRAISING RECORD
THON Reaches Remarkable Financial Milestone After 46-Hour No-Sitting, No-Sleeping Dance Marathon Raises $17.7 Million for Families Affected by Childhood Cancer UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa., Feb. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Penn State THON, the world's largest student-run philanthropy in the world that provides year-round financial and emotional support to children and families impacted by childhood cancer, announced a record breaking raise of $17,737,040.93 following the organization's annual 46-hour no-sleeping, no-sitting dance marathon. All proceeds from THON's fundraising efforts benefit its sole beneficiary, Four Diamonds, a national non-profit gift fund that covers 100 percent of all medical expenses for families with childhood cancer at Penn State Health Children's Hospital, while also supporting an extensive cancer research program at Penn State College of Medicine. This year's 53rd anniversary of THON embraced the theme "A Home For Hope," representative of the joy, love, and unwavering support shared by everyone involved—from students to families—united in the mission to find a cure for childhood cancer. Since 1977, THON has partnered with Four Diamonds, the organization founded by Charles and Irma Millard in memory of their son Christopher, to lead the fight against childhood cancer. Over 700 dancers participated in the organization's iconic dance marathon that began at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 21 and ran nonstop until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 23. The Fray, who recently announced their 20-year anniversary tour, headlined a surprise performance at the Bryce Jordan Center, sponsored by PNC Bank. The crowd enjoyed the band's classic hits including "Over My Head", "You Found Me", "How to Save a Life" to an audience of Four Diamonds families and 16,500 student volunteers. "On behalf of everyone at THON, we are always inspired by our community's togetherness for such a monumental cause," said Keegan Sobczak, Director of THON. "Another record-breaking year highlights the lifesaving impact of this cause and the dedication behind every dollar raised to support Four Diamonds families. We extend our gratitude to everyone who donated, volunteered, and danced—making this day unforgettable while raising awareness and educating others about childhood cancer." THON was originally founded in 1973 by Penn State students and over the last 53 years, THON and Four Diamonds have helped over 4,800 families experiencing childhood cancer by covering all medical expenses, including comprehensive specialty care services at Penn State Health Children's Hospital. Making an impact worldwide, THON and Four Diamonds continue to support research that is critical for the advancement of cancer treatments. Led by their support, Penn State Health Children's Hospital and Four Diamonds announced the launch of a groundbreaking clinical trial focused on treating solid tumors in children in September 2024. In partnership with the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium (BCC), this trial will evaluate the investigational drug Silmitasertib in combination with FDA-approved treatments. With a goal of enrolling 114 participants nationwide, the trial will be essential in determining the drug's safety in children and how effectively it combats tumor cells. "Every year serves as a powerful reminder of why we stand united in the fight to conquer pediatric cancer," said Suzanne Graney, Executive Director of Four Diamonds. "For years, nonprofits have played a crucial role in bridging the gap in research funding, taking action to drive progress toward a cure. We are very proud of another record-breaking year! Our supporters are consistently raising the bar to prove what we can accomplish together. We will never stop fundraising, dancing, and fighting for a cure, For the Kids." To learn more about THON and where to make donations, please visit and ABOUT THON™ THON is the largest student-run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. THON is composed of over 16,500 Penn State student volunteers who aim to provide emotional and financial support to Four Diamonds families, as well as to spread the mission of THON and childhood cancer. Since its partnership in 1977, THON has raised over $236 million dollars to support its sole beneficiary, Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children's Hospital. ABOUT FOUR DIAMONDS Four Diamonds' mission is to conquer childhood cancer. Since its creation in 1972, Four Diamonds has helped more than 4,800 children and families by covering 100 percent of medical bills and comprehensive specialty care services for every Four Diamonds family. Four Diamonds also supports a robust pediatric cancer research program at Penn State Health Children's Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine, which is dedicated to seeking improved treatments and cures for childhood cancer to benefit every child around the world. For more information, visit Media ContactAshley CarterAllen & Gerritsenacarter@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE THON Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘No Hair Don't Care' event raises money for THON
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A temporary barbershop was set up at Penn State University as students lined up for the annual 'No Hair, Don't Care,' event. 'No Hair Don`t Care' is a tradition of Penn State THON where volunteers can have their heads shaved to raise awareness for childhood cancer and support those who have experienced hair loss during their cancer journey. Each volunteer contributes $10. $5 can be credited to any organization, Independent Dancer Couple (IDC), or committee. 'It's a little sacrifice to show that we stand in unison with them, come THON weekend, and show that they're not alone,' Senior Nicholas Massari said. Penn State Altoona raises funds for THON with silent auction With a line out the door, students got ready and celebrated the buzz cut. Seeing the support for the event was special for those who organized it. 'It's just amazing to see all of these organizations come together and they're cheering and supporting each other. And obviously we're raising money, which is also amazing,' Hair Donation Captain, for Special Events THON Hannah Oister said. One participant was Colin Davis, he participated as his little brother fought against Aplastic anemia. 'When you see somebody go through that is stuck in the hospital spending their high school senior summer in a hospital bed, it makes you go to great lengths to try to do anything you can for them,' Davis said. THON raises millions of dollars to fund pediatric cancer research and brings thousands of visitors to the University Park campus each year. In 2025, more than 700 dancers are expected to stand on their feet for 46 hours to raise money for Four Diamonds. 'That's why you do it, that's why you stand for 46. That's why you keep pestering people to donate because it's all going towards research, towards finding a cure, and towards helping families and kids who are in need to help pay these hospital bills that are through the roof,' Davis said. THON is one of the largest events run by Penn State besides football games and it's something students look forward to year in and year out. 'The energy in the Bryce Jordan Center is unmatched. It's truly something so special that these kids gather around every year and support these kids,' Massari said. THON raised a record-breaking $16.9 million in 2024. Since its start in 1973, THON has raised more than $236 million to support Four Diamonds. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Penn State Altoona raises funds for THON with silent auction
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — Penn State's 46-hour dance marathon is just days away, and one branch campus is making a final push to help raise funds for Four Diamonds. Penn State Altoona held a silent auction inside of the Slef Student Center to benefit THON. Fifty baskets from local businesses and the campus offices were for bidding. Students, faculty and other community members visited the auction to help donate, sparking joy from the committee about the donations. THON 2025: Penn State getting ready for dance marathon fundraiser 'It fills me with hope,' Noah Meckes, the co-executive director of the Altoona Benefitting THON committee said. 'Whenever I go out to places and see people that are willing to be so generous, with their time and their money and their things, to help us put something like this together. And, of course, all of the money goes back to the Four Diamonds Foundation, which helps kids with, pediatric cancer and their families.' The Four Diamonds Foundation is dedicated to helping kids with cancer get proper care and treatment, support and innovative research. All proceeds to the foundation will cover the expenses not paid for by the insurance of eligible patients. Last year, the campus set a new fundraising record of around $70,000. Before the silent auction, the committee was at the $40,000 mark. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
