Live updates: It’s the last day of Penn State Thon. Here’s a look at what’s happened so far
By CDT staff reports
After the pandemic created a mostly at-home Penn State Thon last year, the 46-hour event is officially underway at the Bryce Jordan Center.
The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon — the largest student-run philanthropy in the world — started Friday evening and is marking its 50th anniversary.
More than 650 dancers will be on their feet through Sunday evening, with a pep rally, fashion shows, surprise appearances and much more throughout the weekend. Thon has raised more than $190 million over the years for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.
The first full Thon day was full of activities including the kids talent show, and surprise guests including former Nittany Lions Nick Scott and Pat Freiermuth. The signature pep rally brought Penn State sports teams out to show off their moves.
During our Pep Rally, the THON community has raised enough money to not only fund 25 hours of Four Diamonds research, but 50 weeks of art therapy, 560 hours of genetic counseling support, 10 small research experiments, and one week of child life support all, For The Kids! pic.twitter.com/UFewt6UrC9
Attendees perform the line dance during the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon on Saturday. Centre Daily Times, file
A Thon volunteer slides through baby powder during the “slides of strength” Saturday at the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. Noah Riffe nriffe@centredaily.com
Dancer Relations Captains perform the line dance on Saturday during Thon. Centre Daily Times, file
Thon participants raise their hands while performing the line dance on Saturday. Noah Riffe nriffe@centredaily.com
Elliana Rodenhauser waves to her Thon organization during the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon on Saturday. Noah Riffe nriffe@centredaily.com
A Thon volunteer sweeps the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday. Noah Riffe nriffe@centredaily.com
Kennedy Wilson talks with Abigail Higgins during the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, Thon 2022 on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022 in University Park, Pa. Noah Riffe nriffe@centredaily.com
Kennedy Wilson, a Four Diamonds child, squirts a water gun during Thon on Saturday. Noah Riffe nriffe@centredaily.com
Kennedy Wilson covers her face after losing a bouncy ball on Saturday. Noah Riffe nriffe@centredaily.com
I’m here covering THON for @centredaily — it’s been 16 hours since the 46-hour dance marathon began & while the top rows have cleared out, the energy remains high. pic.twitter.com/nxaDBe7XJG
Dancers stood at 6 p.m., followed shortly after by the unveiling of the 2022 line dance. The surprise Friday night guest was singer-songwriter Chelsea Cutler.
THON has started and dancers are standing. For the next 46 hours Penn State Students will be dancing to raise money to fight childhood cancer. pic.twitter.com/JmTogC5b5J