How to participate in Penn State’s virtual ‘family dinner’ as part of Helping Happy Valley week
Penn State Athletics and football coach James Franklin are encouraging Nittany Lions fans to participate in the Penn State Family Dinner at 6 p.m. Thursday, as part of Helping Happy Valley Week to raise awareness about different ways people can support the State College-area community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a video posted on Penn State football’s Twitter, Franklin encouraged Nittany Lions fans to have a family dinner where participants wear blue and white, decorate their homes and order takeout from local restaurants.
Franklin also encouraged shopping at local stores.
“Just find ways to support our local community in a time of need,” Franklin said in the video.
Participants can tune into a Facebook Live from 6-7 p.m., streamed on the Penn State Athletics’ Facebook page, where GoPSUSports’ feature content reporter Mitch Gerber will check in with different Nittany Lions coaches during the dinner. Fans can also post photos using the #PSUFamily hashtag on social media for the chance to be entered in an opportunity to win gift cards from Primanti Brothers.
The Official Nittany Lion Club Tailgate Cookbook is available on the Nittany Lions Club’s website for free use during the virtual dinner. It features appetizers, soups and sides, entrees, desserts and beverages. Fans can also submit their own favorite tailgate recipes at nittanylionclub.com.
Continuing the Happy for Helping Happy Valley Week
The Penn State Family Dinner is just part of the many ways that Penn State Athletics and the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau are encouraging people to support local businesses and community members this week.
Fans who want to participate can work to fill out a “Happy Valley Support” Bingo card, which includes activities such as purchasing a gift card from a local restaurant or grocery store, donating to a local charity and thanking essential workers.
Immediately following the Facebook Live Thursday evening, the Penn State men’s basketball team will read the “Read with Us” bedtime story on the team’s Facebook page.
Avatars, Zoom backgrounds and cover photos will also be available to use on a multitude of platforms throughout the week.
This story was originally published May 19, 2020 at 4:13 PM.