Penn State

Live updates: It’s the last day of Penn State Thon. Here’s a look at what’s happened so far

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 dance marathon will be streamed live at thon.org/livestream. To donate, visit donate.thon.org.

Below is look at what is happening at the Bryce Jordan Center. Check back for updates.

Sunday

Saturday

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.

Attendees perform the line dance during the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon on Saturday.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kennedy Wilson covers her face after losing a bouncy ball on Saturday. Noah Riffe nriffe@centredaily.com
Isaac Goodman watches a member of his fraternity play kendama on Saturday during Day 2 of Thon.
Isaac Goodman watches a member of his fraternity play kendama on Saturday during Day 2 of Thon. Noah Riffe nriffe@centredaily.com

Friday night

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.

Julia Mewha and Cameron Rousselin prepare for the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon on Friday.
Julia Mewha and Cameron Rousselin prepare for the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon on Friday. Noah Riffe nriffe@centredaily.com

This story was originally published February 18, 2022 at 8:59 PM.

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