Latest news with #HowtoSaveaLife


GMA Network
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
The Fray is coming to Manila in December for 'How to Save a Life: 20th Anniversary' tour
The Fray is returning to Manila this December! The American rock band is set to hold their "How to Save a Life: 20th Anniversary" tour on December 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, according to Midas Promotions. The ticket prices are as follows: VIP - 7,500 Patron A - 6,500 Patron B - 6,000 Lower Box A - 5,000 Lower Box B - 4,000 Upper Box - 2,500 Tickets will go on sale starting May 30 via Ticketnet online and outlets nationwide. The Fray is composed of vocalist Joe King, guitarist Dave Welsh, and drummer Ben Wysocki. 'How to Save a Life,' released in 2005, features some of The Fray's now-classic songs like the title track, 'Over My Head (Cable Car),' 'Look After You,' 'All at Once,' and 'She Is.' The band last had a concert in Manila in 2012 at the Big Dome. —Nika Roque/CDC, GMA Integrated News
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Penn State's Thon sets new record, raises more than $17M to help fight childhood cancer
Penn State's IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon broke another fundraising record this year, raising $17,737,040.93 toward the fight against pediatric 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.
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
23-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Penn State's 46-hour Thon already full of memories, surprises as event inches toward conclusion
Penn State's IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, the annual 46-hour no-sitting dance marathon to raise money for the fight against childhood cancer, took off Friday — and has so far been filled with memorable moments. Although the event that's happened annually since 1973 won't reveal the money raised until it ends 4 p.m. Sunday, more than 700 participants converged at the Bryce Jordan Center starting 6 p.m. Friday. And, if anyone needed a reminder for why they were there, the annual line dance was announced the first day and included the lyrics, 'Remember who you are dancing for.' As the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, Thon benefits the Four Diamonds Fund and helps pediatric cancer patients and their families at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. 'I've grown up in State College. My whole life I've been surrounded by Penn State, so I've grown up hearing about Thon, this huge event,' said Sruthi Ramesh, who is taking part as a dancer representing Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional co-ed business fraternity with more than 100 active members. 'As a high school student in the school district, we were super involved in Thon. We would donate, but I never really got to see it as a student and get to be in the environment. 'Coming to Penn State as a freshman and getting to see Thon (for the first time) really changed the way I viewed Thon, even though I grew up with it my whole life.' The senior took part into the dance relations committee during her first involvement with Thon. Ramesh enjoyed being part of the committee since she was able to collaborate in the event. 'I joined Alpha Kappa Psi and I was able to stand with them in the stands for Final Four,' Ramesh said, referring to the final four hours of last year's Thon. 'It was really just this amazing moment to get to see Penn State come together as one. After that, I was like 'I would love to be getting more involved for HSI and be THON chair.' So, I was Thon chair my junior year, and then obviously, now I get the privilege and honor of dancing for Psi as a senior.' The student was able to visit Penn State Hershey before the event because organizations are able to follow two families throughout the year. Ramesh said she was 'genuinely so honored and thrilled' with the experience. The first hours of the event were highlighted by The Fray's performance. The Grammy-nominated band encouraged the dancers and spectators to sing along with hits like 'How to Save a Life' and 'Over My Head.' Thon's second day was no different, keeping the energy as high as the first day. When asked about her favorite moment, Ramesh didn't hesitate. 'I would say this year has been getting to see my organization up in the stands cheering all of our six dancers on,' Ramesh said. 'It's truly so exciting to get to see every single person there, jumping, dancing, having so much fun up in the stands, because they're really here to support us. It's just amazing to see that support in general.' One of the highlights of the second day was the kid and teen's talent show. One of the Four Diamond kids, Melaina Horan, shook up the Bryce Jordan Center by performing a dance to Penn State's fight song. To end the daily performances, Penn State student-athletes participated in the annual pep rally Saturday night. The presentation started with a performance from the Blue Band, with Blue Sapphire at the forefront. Not long after, Thon organizers took the stage to announce that the Bryce Jordan Center reached its full capacity. Former Penn State football quarterback Trace McSorley was one of the surprises of the night, but he wasn't the only one. University President Neeli Bendapudi and Athletic Director Pat Kraft took the stage to say supportive words to the dancers. Through pre-recorded videos, Penn State alums Stephen Nedoroscik ('Pommel Horse Guy'), professional women's soccer player Sam Coffey and Super Bowl champion Saquon Barkley showed support to the dancers and the cause. It was not only athletes who participated in the pep rally. Women's volleyball coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley, who announced she beat cancer in the beginning of the month, was there alongside her national champion team. 'This is bigger than winning a national championship,' Schumacher-Cawley said. 'I'm so proud and I am so happy to be a Penn Stater.'