THON Shatters Fundraising Record, Shows Passion of Donors

I admit, this is a bit of a shout-out to my alma mater. The Penn State Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon — aka THON — began in 1973 and has grown to become the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.

Each and every year, donors seemingly find a way to set a new high in funds raised. But in the midst of the toughest economic times in decades, expectations have been tampered. Yet every year, the Penn State students spread the word and fundraise their tails off and keep raising the bar. Last year, THON brought in more than $7.8 million to fight pediatric cancer, setting a new record by increasing the 2009 total by $347,920.49.