UNIVERSITY PARK — After hitting a record-breaking fundraising total in 2022, the 2023 Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon smashed the record again, raising $15 million to combat pediatric cancer.
Each year, the largest student-run philanthropy raises money for the Four Diamonds Fund, which goes toward cancer research and covers childhood cancer patients’ medical expenses at the Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. The fund has helped over 4,800 children since its creation in 1972.
The 2023 total — $15,006,132.46 — is $1,249,757.96 more than last year’s total of $13,756,374.50, which was announced at the Bryce Jordan Center for the first in-person 46-hour dance marathon since 2020. Thon 2021 was held virtually during the coronavirus pandemic along with much of its fundraising efforts.
And the total for THON 2023, Foster The Magic, is $15,006,132.46! pic.twitter.com/V4t4ftmuBx
— Penn State THON™ (@THON) February 19, 2023
This year, 707 dancers took to the Bryce Jordan Center for 46 hours of standing, stretching and following Thon’s student-choreographed line dance. While they found ways to stay upright and awake, over 16,500 volunteers helped keep the center bustling with energy.
Over the weekend, Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter Natasha Bedingfield performed, followed by student musical and dances performances, the Thon Dancer Pageant, Kids Talent Show, Pep Rally and Kids Fashion Show. A DJ named Whethan headlined Saturday night, and dancers and spectators geared up for Thon’s Final Four starting at noon. During the Final Four, Thon turns the focus toward the families and children with cancer.
The Thon fundraising total was revealed on Sunday afternoon after the student dancers sat for the first time since Friday. Every year since 2012, the organization has raised over $10 million.
Out of the commonwealth campuses that participate in Thon, Penn State Fayette raised the most money with $101,956.89.
Zeta Tau Alpha and Alpha Tau Omega led Penn State Greek life organizations in fundraising with $452,621.76. The dancer couple with the highest independent fundraising total, Jaden Sconzo and Ella Mannarelli, raised $35,751.
Thon has raised over $200 million in support of Four Diamonds families since its inception in 1973 and is celebrating its 50th year as an organization; last year, the philanthropy celebrated its 50th dance marathon.
