THE PENN STATE IFC/PANHELLENIC DANCE MARATHON
MANUAL
PENN STATE IFC/PANHELLENIC DANCE MARATHON
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
210 HUB
UNIVERSITY PARK, PENNSYLVANIA 16802
COMPILED AND MAINTAINED BY THE THON COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Table of Contents
Letter from THON Communications………………………………………………………..pg. 3
THON History……………………………………………………………………....……….pg. 4
Chris’s Story……………………………………………………………………………….…pg. 6
About the Four Diamonds Fund……………………………………………………………..pg. 6
THON’s Mission and Frequently Asked Questions…....……………………………….…....pg. 7
THON Structural Overview……………………………………………………………...….pg. 9
Fundraising……………………………………………………..………………………….....pg. 15
Who Dances?.……………………………………………………………...………………..pg. 16
Things to Note.……………………………………………………………...………………pg. 17
General Timeline of a THON Year………………………………………………………....pg. 19
2 Hello! I am Kelly Tompeck, the THON 2014 Communications Director. I am honored to
work for such an amazing cause alongside other dedicated students! This year we will
continue in our mission of spreading pediatric cancer awareness and finding a cure.
Thank you for taking the time to read this THON Manual and learn more about how the Penn
State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon runs. Everyone involved in THON loves hearing about
other students who are dedicated to the cause of conquering pediatric cancer!
In 1973, a small group of dedicated Penn State students held our first Dance Marathon. That
year, 34 dancers participated and raised $2,000. Since then, THON’s presence in the Penn
State community has grown exponentially. THON now has more than 15,000 student
volunteers, 500+ participating student organizations, 708 dancers, and has raised more than
$100 million, all benefiting the children and families of the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State
Hershey Children’s Hospital.
THON is a yearlong effort that raises funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric
cancer. With the support of students from all across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and
THON Alumni around the world, we continue to make great strides towards finding a cure
for all childhood cancers!
Thank you for your interest in learning more about THON. Together, we’ll make a difference
in the life of a child!
For The Kids, For The Fight!
Kelly Tompeck
Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon 2014
Communications Director
[email protected]
1-800-392-THON (8466)
3 THON’s History
In 1972, Interfraternity Council President Bill Lear ('72 –'73) proposed a Dance
Marathon fundraiser, and the first Dance Marathon was held in Penn State's HUB ballroom on
Friday, February 2nd, 1973. Thirty-nine couples paid $10 to participate in the 30-hour
competition that began at 6 pm., and proceeds from the event were donated to the Butler
County Association for Retarded Children. The original planning Committee was wary of
promising too much, and warned the BCARC not to expect more than twenty dollars. When
the first ever Dance Marathon came to an end, 17 couples were still standing and more than
$2,000 had been raised. Penn State Dance Marathon had exceeded all expectations.
For the next few years, Dance Marathon continued to grow, each year raising more
money than the year previous and donating to different causes such as Easter Seals and the
Muscular Dystrophy Association. The Marathon expanded to 48 hours in length in its second
year. 1976 brought its first ever theme: “Dance for Those Who Can’t.”
In 1977, a little-known charity, the Four Diamonds Fund, became the
beneficiary of Dance Marathon’s funds, beginning a partnership that still exists
today. In 1978, Nittany Lion wide receiver and All American football player Jimmy Cefalo
made a pact with Hershey Medical Center that all proceeds from Dance Marathon would
benefit the Four Diamonds Fund as long as the funds were used for researching and combating
pediatric cancer. Following Dance Marathon that year, a tragic event further sealed the bond
between Dance Marathon and the Four Diamonds Fund. A few weeks after the event, a group
of students were driving to Hershey Medical Center to deliver the check to the Four
Diamonds Fund. Outside of Harrisburg, a car accident occurred, and one student, Kevin
Steinberg, lost his life. Kevin was the typical Penn State student who became involved with the
Dance Marathon as the Interfraternity Council Vice President. Today, Kevin's legacy lives on
through the Kevin Steinberg Award, which is given to one THON volunteer every year to
recognize service to Dance Marathon and the Four Diamonds Fund.
Throughout the 1980s, the Dance Marathon continued to expand, outgrowing its home
in the HUB and moving the event, which now included hundreds of dancers, to the White
Building. Dance Marathon broke the six-figure mark by raising $131,000 in 1983,
and was recognized as the largest student-run philanthropy in the world in 1984—
a title still held today. The organization adopted its name THON™ in 1988.
The 1990s brought massive growth for THON, which officially became named Penn
State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon in 1990. On its twentieth anniversary in 1992,
THON raised more than $1 million. In 1999, THON raised more than $2.5 million and
pledged $5 million more to be raised over the next five years for an endowed research center
4 for the Four Diamonds Fund at Hershey Medical Center. THON also moved to a new home,
Rec Hall.
The new millennium has brought many positive changes for THON. In 2003, Penn State
students raised more than $3 million for the Four Diamonds Fund and the number of dancers
topped 700 for the first time. In 2004, THON pledged to contribute $10 million during the
next six years to build a Pediatric Cancer Pavilion at the Hershey Medical Center.
Unprecedented crowds entered THON 2006 for Rec Hall's “final dance.” THON's continued
growth and popularity required that the event move to a larger venue in 2007—the Bryce
Jordan Center. The THON webcast allowed viewers in more than 30 countries to watch as
the $5,240,385.17 total was revealed. THON 2008's theme, “Hope Finds A Way,” gathered
record-breaking crowds for the second THON held in the BJC. In 2009, unwavering
support from THON volunteers and donors allowed THON to raise $7,490,133.87! This
continued for THON 2010, when the total reached $7,838,054.36 and in THON 2011 when
again the total grew to 9,563,016.09! The trend continued for THON 2012, with another
incredible year, raising $10,686,924.83! With support from thousands of student volunteers,
THON 2013 was able to reach the 100 million dollar milestone by raising a recordbreaking $12,347,034.46!
5 Chris’ Story
Christopher Millard was just 11 years old when he
was diagnosed with cancer. Upon returning to school
after spending a summer undergoing treatment, his
teacher gave the class an assignment to write about what
they did that summer. Chris, not wanting to write about
his summer spent in and out of the hospital, decided to
instead write a creative and symbolic short story. He
wrote about a knight named Sir Millard, “the worthy
bearer of the magnificent Diamonus Quadrus (Four
Diamonds).”
In the story, Sir Millard was held captive by an evil
sorceress and would be freed only when he had earned
each of her Four Diamonds by completing tasks of
Courage, Wisdom, Honesty and Strength. These are the traits Chris believed were
necessary to fight cancer. At the end of the story, Sir Millard defeated the evil sorceress,
“and from then on he lived in glory as Sir Millard.”
Chris’s parents, Charles and Irma Millard, established the Four Diamonds Fund almost
immediately after their son lost his battle with cancer in 1972 at age 14, with the hope of
helping families facing the same struggle they had.
About the Four Diamonds Fund
The Four Diamonds Fund is based at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in
Hershey, Pennsylvania. Since 1972, The Four Diamonds Fund has served more than 2,000
families, primarily from the Central PA area, but also from surrounding states. Approximately
100 new families a year become Four Diamonds families when their children are diagnosed
with pediatric cancer. The Fund’s commitment to the children extends into their adulthood.
With some former patients in their thirties, their survival offers hope for better treatment and
a cure for all childhood cancer.
The Four Diamonds Fund supports families through financial assistance, medical team
support and research. The Fund pays for every bill insurance will not cover, and also covers
expenses that could disrupt the welfare of the children, such as car repairs, household utilities,
food and gasoline. Because of the Fund, Hershey Medical Center is able to hire a team of
people who provide comprehensive care to the patients. Pediatric oncology specialists, nurse
specialists, social workers, child life specialists, a clinical nutritionist, a clinical psychologist, and
a music therapist all work with the children and are supported by the Fund.
6 THON’S MISSION STATEMENT:
THE MISSION
OF THE PENN STATE IFC/PANHELLENIC DANCE MARATHON IS TO CONQUER PEDIATRIC CANCER BY
PROVIDING OUTSTANDING EMOTIONAL AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO THE CHILDREN, FAMILIES, RESEARCHERS AND
STAFF OF THE FOUR DIAMONDS FUND. FOR THE KIDS!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many students are involved with THON?
Students are the heart and soul of THON—they are the leaders, the brains, and the means of making
everything happen for the largest student-run philanthropy in the world! Through campus
organizations and THON Committees, over 15,000 students volunteer for THON each year.
How do you get so many students involved? Is there any sort of application
process for volunteers?
Involvement with THON has grown steadily through its 40 years in existence. Campus Greek life was
the sole driving force behind THON in its early years, and these sororities and fraternities remain a
huge part of THON’s success today. Their thousands of members contribute greatly to both
fundraising and building relationships with the Four Diamonds families. There are also Committees
within THON’s structure whose sole purpose is spreading the word of THON with the hopes of
gaining volunteers. Each year, Committees brainstorm and carry out new ideas for recruitment events,
such as the THON Involvement Fair held in our union building in the fall.
In order to become a THON Committee Member, Captain or Director, students must submit
applications that include biographical information and answers to essay questions. They then go
through an interview process (a board interviews and selects the Executive Director, then that person
selects the Executive Committee, next each Director selects his or her Captain Committee, and then
Captains select their Committee Members).
Does THON meet its goals every year? How?
THON’s only goal is to dedicate itself fully to its mission statement year after year. THON never sets
fundraising goals, goals pertaining to numbers of students involved, donations received, or anything else
of the sort. It does not matter if we raise $7 million or $70—as long as the students involved did all
they could to help the children, families, researchers and staff of Four Diamonds, we consider THON a
success!
Are dancers eliminated if they stop dancing at THON?
No. In actuality, dancers spend a majority of their time doing things other than dancing. The Morale
Committee provides them with countless other things to do to keep their attitudes positive and their
minds off their aching feet. Dancers do arts and crafts, color, play games like 4-Square or video
games, and so much more! THON is not a competition and everyone wants the dancers to succeed,
so dancers are not removed from the event unless medically necessary.
7 Does THON have a strict set of rules? Who creates them?
THON has and maintains an extensive rulebook that is updated yearly. Please visit here to find the
THON 2014 Rulebook.
Is THON governed by the University or anyone other than the students?
THON is a University-recognized student organization, which means that students run it. We are in
accordance with University rules and regulations pertaining to our type of organization, and we have
two faculty advisors.
Is THON and The Four Diamonds Fund the same thing?
This is a common misunderstanding. No, THON and the Four Diamonds Fund are not the same
organization. The Four Diamonds Fund is a self-governing, non-profit based at Hershey Medical
Center. THON is a Penn State student organization (with tax-exempt status under the University with
an Internal Revenue Code 170(c)1) that chooses to fundraise for the Four Diamonds Fund. THON’s
contribution makes up about 80% of the Four Diamonds Fund’s funds each year. However, the two
organizations are indeed intertwined; students and the staff of the Four Diamonds interact with each
other often to come up with initiatives and improvements to benefit those touched by the Four
Diamonds Fund, and thousands of students have personal relationships with Four Diamonds families.
The relationship is strong and will not cease in the foreseeable future.
Are schools other than Penn State involved with THON or Four Diamonds?
About 50 elementary, middle and high schools across the state of Pennsylvania participate in a miniTHON program run by Four Diamonds and supported by THON. These schools hold their own
miniature dance marathons to benefit the Fund. One THON Captain is a liaison to Mini-THONs, and
the director of the Fund is the point person for Mini-THON business. These Mini-THONs fundraise a
remarkable amount each year (over $5 million in around 20 years) and provide opportunities for
young students to grow through leadership and helping others. Money raised through Mini-THON’s is
not a part of THON’s overall total; it is a separate donation made to the Four Diamonds Fund.
8 Structural Overview
THON as an organization has a structure that is made up of Directors, Captains, and
Committee members. The Executive Director selects the Executive Committee, whose 14
Directors manage each Committee of THON (described below). Other student organizations
volunteer and fundraise on behalf of THON, and follow all rules and regulations set by the
Executive Committee. Both contributing sides to THON’s structure support THON’s mission,
just in different ways.
Infomational Graphic Chart of Student Involvement
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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The volunteers that make up the structure of THON as an organization are the
individuals responsible for planning and executing each THON event throughout the year.
Directors, Captains, and Committee members are responsible for planning events for THON,
implementing rules for fundraising, and being the voices and promoters of THON year-round.
THON is highly structured; here is a breakdown of that structure:
I. Executive Committee (15 People)--led by Executive Director, Ryan Patrick; this
Committee includes the Directors of each Committee:
Communications
The mission of the Communications Committee is to serve as the main liaison to all THON
volunteers within the Penn State community. By building strong relationships, we work to educate
and empower the students, faculty, and staff across the Commonwealth, and alumni of our
University as to how they can make a greater impact in the fight to cure pediatric cancer. The
thousands of student volunteers that support THON rely on Communications to give them the right
information and tools they need to be successful.
Each Communications Captain has a different volunteer base that they reach out to and assist
throughout the THON season. Communications is required to know anything and everything about
THON so that they may answer questions, provide information, and empower all volunteers.
Donor & Alumni Relations
The mission of the Donor & Alumni Relations Committee is to empower, motivate, and educate the
THON community on how to increase awareness of pediatric cancer and fundraise effectively. It is
our goal to help THON continue its monetary and emotional contribution to the Four Diamonds
Fund by maintaining and building relationships with THON’s individual, alumni, small business,
corporate, and foundation donors.
Each Donor & Alumni Relations Captain acts as a fundraising liaison to a group of organizations.
As a fundraising resource, the DAR Captains assist THON Chairs as they organize and implement
an individual, small business, and corporate donor solicitation strategy. They also contact businesses
themselves.
Entertainment
The mission of the Entertainment Committee is to provide and ensure the highest level of
excitement, quality, and safety in all music, productions, and live events during THON Weekend
and at every THON event and production throughout the year.
Entertainment plays a crucial role THON Weekend, setting up and tearing down the stage,
organizing every act, band or performer, and creating the THON Weekend Timeline which details
every aspect of the weekend down to the minute. ENT also organizes events such as the THON
Pep Rally, 100 Days ‘Til THON Celebration and the Pre-THON show. They create nearly all
10 videos released by THON and provide high quality entertainment at over 30 THON events
throughout the year!
Family Relations
The mission of the Family Relations Committee is to provide year round assistance and support to
the Four Diamonds Families by ensuring that they enjoy all of their THON experiences to the
fullest. Family Relations is responsible for upholding the emotional aspect of THON’s mission.
Family Relations is committed to the well-being of the Four Diamonds Families, keeping students
informed and inspired, and working alongside the rest of THON’s Committees to ensure that the
families remain at the heart of THON and everything is done For The Kids.
Family Relations sponsors programs like Adopt-A-Family, the Pen Pal Program, and the Penn State
Wish program, to build meaningful relationships between the Penn State students and the Four
Diamonds Families.
Finance
The mission of the Finance Committee is to process all monetary donations collected on behalf of
THON. It is the responsibility of the Finance Committee to support the students and organizations
of Penn State in their fundraising efforts and the tracking of their monetary totals. Finance is also
responsible for upholding the integrity of the THON community by engaging in only honest and
honorable practices. Finally, Finance is responsible for finalizing the THON Weekend total: a sum
of the THON community’s year-long effort to raise money in support of the families, researchers,
and staff of the Four Diamonds Fund and the fight against pediatric cancer.
Finance Captains are responsible for processing all donations, participating at Canning Drop-Offs,
and facilitating THON Chairs' and donors' financial needs. Additionally, some Finance Captains are
in charge of Committees, teaching and inspiring them during the THON year.
Hospitality
The Hospitality Committee strives to fuel THON through exceptional service and support for the
families, dancers, and volunteers. We interact with the community and sponsors to strengthen
THON by procuring food and beverage donations for THON events throughout the year.
Hospitality works to represent THON at all times with enthusiasm, passion, and commitment For
The Kids!
Hospitality is in charge of food and drinks for all THON events that require it. This Committee
solicits food and drink donations from local establishments and plans dancer and Captain meals
THON weekend.
11 Merchandise
The mission of the Merchandise Committee is to support the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance
Marathon by spreading awareness and providing knowledge of THON and pediatric cancer
through the sale of quality products. The Merchandise Committee is also committed to protecting
the name of THON while contributing to the financial and emotional efforts For The Kids and the
Four Diamonds Fund.
This Committee is dedicated solely to selling THON products. The Committee's responsibilities
include running the THON store, handling all licensing issues for THON products,
ordering/distributing all THON apparel, and maintaining the concession stands in the BJC THON
weekend.
Morale
The mission of the Morale Committee is to provide physical and emotional support for the dancers
THON Weekend. The Morale Committee ensures the safety and wellbeing of the dancers and also
extends its assistance to the THON Community throughout the entire year.
Morale works throughout the year to prepare dancers physically and emotionally for the 46
hours. Morale Captains and Committee Members are dedicated to the dancers and are trained in
EMS and dancer safety throughout the year. This committee also creates different events during
the year for dancers to participate in during THON, such as the RIDE, Mail Call, Theme Hours,
Random Events, and the Line Dance.
OPPerations
The mission of the OPPerations committee is to create and maintain a safe and healthy
environment for the Four Diamonds Families and THON volunteers at all pre-THON events and
THON weekend. Through great dedication and hard work, the OPPerations committee logistically
plans and prepares for a year of events culminating in the transformation of the Bryce Jordan
Center into THON’s home.
OPPerations works throughout the year to prepare necessary pieces of physical plant and
completely transform the Bryce Jordan Center into the home of the largest student-run philanthropy
in the world. In addition, they are also highly involved in the logistical planning, set-up, and teardown of the THON 5K and the THON Family Carnival.
Public Relations
The mission of the Public Relations Committee is to conquer pediatric cancer by serving as the voice
of THON to those outside of the Penn State community. This Committee strives to educate the
public about the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, the Four Diamonds Fund and
pediatric cancer while spreading awareness of THON’s mission on local, state and national levels.
12 Public Relations works year-round to increase awareness about pediatric cancer, The Four
Diamonds Fund, and THON. Whether it’s communicating directly to media outlets, planning
marketing events and campaigns, designing publications, or securing THON memories, Public
Relations invites everyone to join our fight to conquer pediatric cancer.
Rules & Regulations
The Rules & Regulations Committee is devoted to providing safety and security to the families and
kids by creating an infrastructure of love and support. We strive to be a resource for all of THON’s
supporters through safe and efficient fundraising efforts. The leaders in red will wholeheartedly care
for the cause with the determination necessary to protect the integrity of and ensure the future of
THON.
R&R ensures the safety of families, dancers and volunteers leading up to and during THON
weekend. Their efforts span from regulating the security at the Family Carnival to the BJC THON
weekend.
Special Events
The mission of Special Events is to inspire, inform, and unite the THON community by developing
and continuing a variety of events to spread the spirit of THON year-round.
The SE Committee is responsible for carrying out the THON 5K, Family Carnival, Road to THON
Celebration, and several other events continuing into THON weekend at the Bryce Jordan Center.
Supply Logistics
It is the mission of the Supply Logistics Committee to serve The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance
Marathon by acquiring all in-kind donations for THON Weekend and all THON events. It is our
goal to help THON continue its monetary and emotional contribution to The Four Diamonds Fund
by ensuring that each Committee receives the supplies they need, while spreading knowledge of
THON and pediatric cancer to every donor we come in contact with during the journey.
Supply Logistics works year-round contacting businesses and corporations for the in-kind donations
needed to make all events leading up to THON and THON weekend possible. In addition, they are
also in charge of Dancer Bags, Dancer and Committee Shirts, the THON Raffle, and the 5K
Runner Bags.
Technology
The mission of the Technology Committee is to assist the other thirteen Committees by providing
effective and efficient technical solutions and support to aid in the mission of The Penn State
IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon of conquering pediatric cancer. Technology strives to take
advantage of the latest technologies to spread awareness of pediatric cancer and The Four
Diamonds Fund.
13 Every Committee in THON uses technology in some way, and the Technology Committee is there
to make sure all of THON's gadgets still work. Tech is responsible for maintaining the back-end of
the THON Store, the PASS system, THINK, and of course, THON.org.
II. Captain Committees (330 people, about 20-25 people on each Committee)-- each Director
leads a Committee of Captains. Each Captain has a different job. For information on the types of
things the Captains do, visit http://thon.org/Students/GetInvolved/ApplyToBeACaptain.
III. Committee Members (around 3,000 people--about 30 people per Committee)--Many, but
not all, Captains then lead Committees who brainstorm and implement ideas related to their
Captains’ positions. Committee Members are vital during THON weekend--they run info booths,
run security, set up and tear down the entire Bryce Jordan Center, morale the dancers, et cetera.
Organizations
Hundreds of Penn State student organizations fundraise for THON. They are split into the
following categories: Greek organizations, General organizations, Special Interest
organizations, Commonwealth and Special Mission Campuses, and Independent Dancer
Couples. Each organization has at least one, and often several, designated “THON Chairs.”
These Chairs receive all information from the organizers of THON and act as the point
person for all THON-related activities within their organizations.
Greek Organizations - Since THON began as a Greek event, these groups play a major role
in the organization today. Many Sororities and Fraternities are paired for fundraising. For
instance, the fraternity Alpha Tau Omega and sorority Zeta Tau Alpha are one of THON’s
longest-standing and highest-raising pairs. They fundraise together and send dancers to
represent them THON weekend.
General Organizations - These are all of the various, non-Greek organizations at Penn
State that participate in THON in addition to their organization’s main purpose. These
organizations range from club sports to honors societies, as well as student councils.
Special Interest Organizations – These are organizations that have recently arisen with
the sole purpose of supporting THON! Their mission statements directly include THON as
their main focus.
Commonwealth and Special Mission Campuses - These are Penn State's campuses that
exist across the state that fundraise for THON and send dancers to the event.
Independent Dancer Couples -These are pairs of people who want to dance in THON but
cannot or don't want to do it through their organization (for more on how dancers are
chosen, see pg. 17). So, couples register together and the two people are considered THON
14 Chairs for their fundraising efforts. They fundraise themselves in order to enter a dancer
lottery for the chance to dance in THON.
All of THON’s volunteers, both organization members and those on Committees, add up to about 15,000 students
working for THON. Many people are on both sides of THON --- they'll be Committee Members but also trying to
independently dance, or they're Captains who also fundraise with their organization, et cetera.
Fundraising
THON’s success can be attributed to the unwavering support and hard work of our
volunteers. The methods of fundraising utilized by THON’s volunteers have grown in many
ways since the early days of Dance Marathon. Each method is successful in its own way, and
each year, the THON community looks towards new and sustainable methods of fundraising.
General solicitation methods, such as canister solicitation, are used. Students also reach out to
family members and friends to make personal donations via our THONvelope letter campaign.
Additionally, online giving is possible through our THON.org website. Together, these
fundraising methods combine to help us reach new heights every year!
15 Who Dances?
Each year, 708 dancers fill the floor of the Bryce Jordan Center during THON weekend.
This privileged group is comprised of organization members, independent couples and
commonwealth campus students. Each type of dancer is selected differently.
Organization Members: Fundraising organizations are allocated according to the amount
of money they raised for the previous THON. The Executive Committee sets fundraising
“tiers” each year that determine how many dancers each organization will get. These tiers are
based on the totals of all organizations and if an organization is working alone or had a
partner. Organizations are allocated 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 10 dancers. If an organization’s
total does not meet the minimum tier for guaranteed dancers and is allocated 0 dancers, that
organization will enter a lottery for the chance to send dancers. Organizations must raise a
minimum amount of money, determined by the Executive Committee when determining tiers,
in order to enter the lottery. For 2013, this number was $2,600. So, organizations whose total
did not meet the minimum tier but who raised at least $2,600 entered a lottery for the chance
to send dancers. Organizations with high totals from the previous THON still must raise the
$2,600 minimum to receive their dancers.
Each organization uses its own method to select who of its members will get to dance, once
they find out their number of dancers. Many organizations choose their seniors, others vote,
others choose their THON Chairs or the members who are most involved in THON
fundraising – it is completely up to the organization to decide how they wish to select their
dancers.
Independent Dancer Couples: Pairs of people who would like to independently dance
must register in the fall. After registration, they fundraise like organizations do—by canning,
THONveloping, etc. All independent couples must raise the same minimum that organizations
must (for THON 2014, $2,800) by a certain deadline. Raising $2,800 gives a couple one
“chance” in the lottery. For every $600 they raised above that amount, the couple gets
another “chance,” or entry in the lottery. The Technology Captains run the lottery online on a
publicized date to determine dancers.
Commonwealth Dancers: Each commonwealth campus sends dancers in the same way
organizations do. Each campus’s THON organization is considered an organization among the
others at University Park, and the campuses follow the same rules and requirements for
dancers.
16 Things to Note…
The Importance of Icebreakers and Committee Bonding
Building a cohesive Committee is one of the most important things that will lead a successful
dance marathon. Through the use of icebreakers and other social activities a bond can be
formed that can extend well past a volunteer’s time of involvement. Some classic icebreakers
are the human knot, the name game, and general getting to know you Q&A sessions. The
more time a Committee spends with one another the stronger that bond will become. The
stronger the bond is come THON, the better off THON will be. It is up to the Captains or
leaders of the Committee to create a friendly atmosphere through meetings and social
activities for people to feel comfortable with one another. Allowing Committee Members to
become friends first makes it an experience they want to be involved with rather than
something they are doing to build their resume. Friends first, co-workers later!
The Importance of Dedication to the Group
Along with building a cohesive Committee, success is only sure if the people on that
Committee are dedicated to the group and the cause. If people do not take their role within
the Committee seriously free riding will begin to occur. This will leave the Committee less
informed/prepared for the year to come and will result in a bad experience, which means they
probably will not be involved the following year. This is why the selection process is so
important. THON has the best volunteers because they are the most caring, dedicated, and
hard-working people at Penn State! Making sure the applicants for these positions are
qualified, diligent, and dedicated makes the Director/Captains’ jobs that much easier. One
thing THON tries to do is give each Committee Member a job to make them feel more
important and involved.
The Importance of a Connection to the Cause
In order to keep people involved each and every year, we keep our volunteers in touch with
the children and families of the Four Diamonds Fund. This connection is the motivation that
keeps people out on the streets canning, writing more THONvelopes, etc. This is why the
Adopt-A-Family program is one of the most important things THON does as an organization.
By giving our fundraising organizations a THON family, they feel more connected to the cause
and want to continue to stay involved. Without the Four Diamonds Families involvement and
appreciation for THON, our event would not be a success each and every year.
The Importance of a Connection to the University
The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon is as it says at Penn State University.
THON has been around for such a long time, it has become a tradition that alumni and friends
continue to return to each and every year. Without the University’s continued support
THON would not be able to handle its daily operations throughout the year. From reserving
academic space for Committee meetings and events, tracking donations through Penn State
17 Donor Services, providing us with office space in the student union building, and allowing us to
use one of the largest venues on campus, THON is eternally grateful to everything Penn State
University does to help THON and the Four Diamonds Fund. THON shows our appreciation
for the University THON Weekend through various donor appreciation receptions and events
for faculty, staff, and alumni! THON also invites many University supporters to the BJC for
behind the scenes tours!
18 General Timeline of a THON Year
March – A new Executive Director is selected by a board comprised of the outgoing ED,
Four Diamonds Director, and the THON faculty advisers, who were selected by their councils
earlier in the year. The outgoing ED begins transitioning the new ED, and applications for the
new Executive Committee are posted.
April – The new Executive Director selects the new Executive Committee. The outgoing
Directors work with the new Directors to transition, meeting several times a week until
classes end. The new Committee visits Hershey, in addition to meeting with outgoing Captains
from their Committee to learn about ways to improve their Captain Committee. Some
Captain positions, such as Technology, require year-round work, so those Directors select
Captains in the Spring.
May – July - Throughout the summer months, Directors work alone and with each other to
improve the roles of their Captain Committees and maintain communication with important
contacts. They also visit Hershey and meet periodically in State College for planning
purposes.
August – Captain applications are released. Executive Committee begins weekly meeting
schedule. The Four Diamonds Mini-THON Workshop for students and advisers takes place in
Hershey.
September – Captain applicants undergo interview process by Directors and Captains are
selected. Captains begin weekly meeting schedule and attend Captain Workshop. Captains
begin planning for the year and implementing their ideas and events. At the end of the month,
the Fundraising Window opens, meaning crediting for THON 2014 can begin.
October – Committee Member applications are released and soon thereafter the applicants
undergo interview process by Captains, and Committee Members are selected. Committees
begin weekly meetings and orientations. Programs such as Adopt-a-Family and Pen Pal will
kickoff. THON Events this month: Family Relations Committee holds Harvest Day for the
Four Diamonds Families, THON Dodgeball hosted by PSU basketball, THON 5K run by the
Special Events Committee, THON Theme for the year revealed during Homecoming Parade.
November – Volunteers continue their work. 100 Days ‘Til THON Celebration held.
THONvelopes are distributed.
December – Volunteers continue their work. Four Diamonds families come to Penn State
for Family Carnival, run by Special Events and participated in by all Directors and Captains.
19 The THON logo for the year is revealed at the end of Family Carnival. Throughout these
months, many Committee Captains hold fun interactive events for their Committee Members.
January – Volunteers continue their work. Captains and Directors write midyear reports to
be used by the people in their positions the following year. Road to THON Celebration and
THON Skate events take place.
February – Dancers announced. Captains and Directors edit and add to their midyear
reports to make them final reports to be used by the new people in their positions. THON
Weekend!
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