Despite the crush of papers and exams as the end of the semester approaches, Penn State Abington THON members remain focused. With a boost from nearly $4,500 collected during the third and final canning weekend, they are more than halfway to their $50,000 fund-raising goal for the 2013 IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.
Abington THON chair Megan Sariego said that with about three months left for fundraising, the students are confident they will reach their goal. The group has several other events scheduled to promote donations from students, faculty and staff including Office Penny Wars and a Mini Carnival.
The students also have set aside four days during the busy end of the semester to wrap gifts at two local Barnes & Noble locations in exchange for donations. They will have a table at the Jenkintown Barnes & Noble from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. 1. And three dates have been booked at the Willow Grove Barnes & Noble: 5 to 11 p.m. Nov. 30; 4 to 10 p.m. Dec. 13; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 23.
THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world and engages more than 15,000 Penn State students across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Its goal is to conquer pediatric cancer by providing emotional and financial support to children, families, researchers and staff at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital through the Four Diamonds Fund.
Since 1977, the fundraising campaign culminates in February's THON Weekend, a 46-hour dance marathon held in University Park. In 2012, THON raised a record $10.68 million for the Four Diamonds Fund. The fund picks up where insurance leaves off, relieving families of a financial burden so they can focus on their children’s health and treatment.
To donate, go to http://giveto.psu.edu/s/1218/thon/2012/index.aspx?sid=1218&gid=3&pgid=1298 Click on a yellow "Donate Now" button and it will be automatically credited to Abington THON.
