Penn State University's Annual THON Weekend To Shift To A Virtual Celebration In 2021

THON, the Penn State student-run dance marathon, plans to hold a virtual event to ensure the health and safety of its participants amidst COVID-19.

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THON

Aug 17, 2020, 09:15 ET

STATE COLLEGE, Penn., Aug. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- To ensure the safety of students, volunteers, supporters and Four Diamonds families, Penn State University's THON has decided to move THON Weekend, the 46-hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon, scheduled for February 19 – 21, 2021, to a virtual location due to COVID-19.

With many of the organization's signature fundraising efforts leading up to THON Weekend being held virtually, the THON Executive Committee is working to continue to provide the best experience possible throughout the THON 2021 season while guaranteeing participants' safety and adhering to CDC guidelines.

"At its core, THON brings people together and saves lives," says Katie Solomon, the THON 2021 Executive Director. "While we may not be able to gather in-person in February, the spirit of our shared mission remains true. Our student volunteers, Four Diamonds families and community can rest assured that, even if we cannot physically gather, the fight against childhood cancer won't stop until there is a cure."

Students and volunteers will have opportunities to raise money and support THON's mission, while families will continue to receive emotional and financial support from THON and Penn State University's students. Since its inception in 1977, THON has been able to raise over $180 million through their network of thousands of dedicated student volunteers so that Four Diamond families have no cost for their treatment and the Penn State Children's Hospital can continue innovative research. For additional information on upcoming virtual events or how to volunteer, please visit THON.org.

About THON™:
THON is the world's largest student-run philanthropy, engaging more than 16,500 students in the fight against childhood cancer. THON's yearlong fundraising and awareness campaign culminates in a 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon every February. Since 1977, THON has donated more than $168 million to our sole beneficiary, Four Diamonds at Penn State Children's Hospital, funding comprehensive care and critical research.

SOURCE THON