WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. and fellow Penn State alumni Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, PA-5, and Charlie Dent, PA-15, joined by the 16 other members of Pennsylvania’s delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives, have introduced a resolution, congratulating the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, or THON, on its continued success in support of the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.
U.S. Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey introduced an identical companion resolution in the Senate.
“Year-after-year ‘THON’ has grown in organizational support and continues to surpass its previous fundraising records, which could not have been done without the tireless work of the students, volunteers and the caring hearts throughout the Penn State community,” stated Thompson.
“I am proud to have the support of the entire Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation as we introduce this resolution in recognition of ‘THON’ and its continued legacy.”
“The true story and spirit of Penn State can be found in the hearts of the young people who have been organizing ‘THON’ since 1977 and who raised $12.3 million this year and $100,000,000 in total to provide comfort and financial support for children and families fighting cancer,” stated Dent. “Every year they shout ‘We are Penn State’ and ‘For the Kids.’ ‘THON’ and the participating students represent all that is right with Penn State.”
Text of H. RES. 103:
“[This is] congratulating the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon on its continued success in support of the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.
Whereas the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (commonly referred to as `THON’) is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, with 710 dancers, more than 15,000 volunteers, and more than 300 supporting organizations involved in the annual event;
Whereas student volunteers at the Pennsylvania State University annually raise money and dance for 46 consecutive hours at the Bryce Jordan Center, bringing energy and excitement to the Pennsylvania State University campus for the mission of conquering pediatric cancer and promoting awareness of the disease to thousands of individuals;
Whereas all THON activities support the mission of the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, which provides financial and emotional support to pediatric cancer patients and their families and funds research on pediatric cancer;
Whereas THON is the largest donor to the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital each year, having raised more than $100,000,000 since 1977, when the two organizations first partnered;
Whereas, in 2013, THON set a new fundraising record of $12,374,034.46, surpassing the previous record of $10,686,924.83, set in 2012;
Whereas THON–
(1) has helped more than 2,000 families through the Four Diamonds Fund;
(2) is helping to build a new Pediatric Cancer Pavilion at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital; and
(3) has supported pediatric cancer research that has caused some pediatric cancer survival rates to increase to nearly 90 percent; and
Whereas THON has inspired similar organizations and events across the United States, including at high schools and institutions of higher education, and continues to encourage students across the United States to volunteer and remain involved in great charitable causes in their communities: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives-
(1) congratulates the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (commonly referred to as `THON’) on its continued success in support of the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital; and
(2) commends the Pennsylvania State University students, volunteers, and supporting organizations for their hard work in organizing another record-breaking THON.”
