Penn State Berks Dancers Prepare for THON as Community Rallies Behind Them
WYOMISSING, Pa. — Penn State Berks is rallying behind its student representatives who will participate in THON, a significant annual dance marathon dedicated to supporting families battling pediatric cancer. A public send-off event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, at the Perkins Student Center’s Lion’s Den, offering community members the opportunity to wish luck to the dancers.
As part of the celebration, complimentary soft pretzels from the Philly Pretzel Factory will be available, alongside ice cream provided by the Penn State Creamery, courtesy of the campus Housing and Food Services department.
The main event will be held at the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State University Park from February 20 to February 22. This 46-hour marathon, marked by the motto “no sitting, no sleeping,” seeks to raise funds for Four Diamonds, a charitable organization committed to assisting families whose children are facing cancer. Supporters unable to attend in person can tune into the live stream available on the THON Livestream website.
This year, the Berks campus is represented by three dancers: Olivia Rice, Liam Savitsky, and Gracie Yerges. Each participant has a personal story that drives their commitment to THON.
Olivia Rice, a senior majoring in integrative science from Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, expressed her motivation: “I THON so that no family ever has to feel like they’re fighting alone. I THON so that kids can be kids and parents can be parents.” Rice aims to honor the memory of Riley Rejniak, a 13-year-old boy who passed away from cancer, hoping to make him proud during her dance marathon.
First-year student Liam Savitsky from Myerstown is inspired by his own family history, noting that his mother is a two-time cancer survivor. “Dancing for THON is my way of standing with families who deserve hope, strength and joy during their hardest moments,” he explained, emphasizing the community spirit that fuels their collective efforts.
Gracie Yerges, a junior studying writing and digital media, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Getting to dance is an opportunity to show how much our families mean to us.” This sentiment reflects the larger mission of THON to foster community ties while directly supporting those in need.
Over the past year, Berks Benefitting THON has dedicated considerable effort to fundraising endeavors, which include events at various local restaurants and community engagement activities. Their major fundraiser, the Inspire the Night benefit dinner, saw significant participation. To date, the group has raised over ,000, showing promise in their efforts as they aim to surpass last year’s fundraising achievements.
In the previous THON event, a record-breaking total of ,737,040.93 was raised, with Penn State Berks contributing ,090.75, securing the seventh position among all Commonwealth Campuses for fundraising.
About THON
Established in 1977, THON has formed a vital partnership with the Four Diamonds organization at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Its mission extends beyond financial aid; it encompasses direct support to families while funding crucial pediatric cancer research. To date, THON has contributed over 0 million towards the fight against childhood cancer, mobilizing more than 16,000 student volunteers annually in its altruistic endeavors.
As the THON weekend approaches, the members of the Berks community remain steadfast in their resolve to raise funds and awareness for this pivotal cause, embodying the collective spirit of compassion and dedication that defines THON. Donations will be accepted until midnight on February 21, underscoring the ongoing commitment to this noble cause. For more information on contributing, visit THON Donations.
