THON Committee Plans Events to Benefit Cancer Research

DUBOIS – Students on the Penn State DuBois THON Committee are working on a host of events that will ultimately raise money for childhood cancer research.  The events will take place at various times between now, and THON weekend, set for February 17-19 at the Bryce Jordan Center at University Park. At that time, student dancers from across the university will attempt to stay on their feet for 46 hours in support of efforts to find a cure for childhood cancer.   

Some of the fundraisers the committee will participate in this year include canning drives, the THON Haircut, where volunteers let others cut their hair in exchange for a donation, and sales of fundraising coupons for area stores.  The THON Committee also organizes a spaghetti dinner each year, collecting proceeds for their cause. 

“We’re very proud of the dedication and professionalism with which our THON Committee carries out their fundraisers,” said Penn State DuBois Chancellor Anita McDonald.  “Canning drives, for instance, are always graciously hosted by area businesses, who allow students to collect donations on their property.  Students never endanger themselves or others by canning along area roads, in heavy traffic.  It shows that they are always cautious of their actions, in spite of how passionate they are about their cause.”  

Other campus clubs are passionate about THON, as well. The other clubs help by donating proceeds from their events to THON.  These include the Delta Mu Sigma Honor Society, which donates funds taken in from its haunted house at Halloween, and from its Dine Out event at Luigi’s Restaurant, during which the owner of Luigi’s donates a portion of the day’s sales. 

The DuBois THON Committee supports the efforts of THON that reach throughout all of Penn State.  Money raised by THON is donated, each year, to the Four Diamonds Fund, a leader in the support of childhood cancer research.  University-wide, THON raised over $9.5 million last year.  Penn State DuBois contributed a campus record of nearly $14,000 to that total.  This year, members of the DuBois committee are setting their sights even higher. 

“We have a goal of reaching $15,000. We know it’s a huge goal but, we are hungry to reach it for the kids and for Penn State DuBois,” said THON committee co-chair Izzi Cogan. 

“I love THON because I want every Four Diamonds family to see their sick kids beat this evil thing called cancer,” Cogan said.   “I truly believe we are making a difference, and it’s amazing to think that a dozen or so kids in DuBois can be a part of something so wonderful, something that is saving lives.”

For updates on where and when all Penn State DuBois THON related events are taking place, follow the group on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/180923598650108/.

Steve Harmic, Penn State DuBois