Penn State Berks hosting virtual THON Dancer Week

admin
Wed, 17 Feb 2021 20:21:26 +0000

?Penn State Berks hosting virtual THON Dancer Week admin Wed, 02/17/2021 - 15:21 Credit: Penn State Expand February 17, 2021
WYOMISSING, Pa. — Penn State Berks is showing support for the four student dancers who are representing the college at this year's virtual THON, the dance marathon to benefit families battling pediatric cancer, with “Dancer Week” from Feb. 15 to 18. The week will culminate with a THON Weekend Countdown on Thursday, Feb. 18. This year’s dancers include senior Derek DeTommaso; juniors Olivia Ahr and Rebecca “Becca” Zeiner; and sophomore Nandini Patel.

Due to the pandemic, THON 2021 will take place virtually for the safety of all participants. However, the dancers are still tasked with staying on their feet to raise money for support of the fight against childhood cancer. Viewers can watch the livestream any time from 6 p.m. on Feb. 19, until 4 p.m. on Feb. 21, at https://thon.org/livestream. There are designated breaks from midnight to 6 a.m. to allow volunteers, dancers and supporters to get the rest they need.

The week's events included a Virtual Movie Night on Feb. 15, where students, faculty, staff and members of the community were invited to watch a virtual movie with Berks Benefitting THON as they presented "Why We Dance: The Story of THON." On Feb. 16, Students were invited to play a virtual game of "Family Feud" with Berks THON dancers.

In addition, Tully’s Dining Center is hosting a display featuring the favorite desserts of Berks THON dancers, on Feb. 17.

THON Weekend Countdown

Thursday, Feb. 18, 6 p.m., on Berks Benefitting THON’s Facebook and Instagram

The Penn State Berks community is invited to support Berks Benefitting THON dancers — and the student organization members who celebrate with them — as they countdown the hours left until they take a stand against pediatric cancer. This event is free and open to the public. Follow @BerksBenefittingTHON for more information.

In 2020, THON overall raised a grand total of $11,696,942.38. Penn State Berks raised $52,024.87, ranking fourth among all Penn State campuses for fundraising events and activities throughout the year.

For more information about THON 2021 weekend or to make a donation to Berks Benefitting THON, visit https://sites.psu.edu/berksbenefittingthon77/virtual-thon-weekend-guide/.

About Penn State THON

In 1977, the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon established its relationship with Four Diamonds at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Four Diamonds directly assists the families at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, while funding research in pursuit of a cure. To date, THON has contributed more than $136 million to support children and their families fighting pediatric cancer. Every year, more than 16,000 student volunteers devote their time and effort to raise money through fundraising events. The hard work of each and every volunteer culminates every February during THON weekend for a 46-hour dance marathon celebration in the Bryce Jordan Center at University Park.

Berks Benefiting THON at Penn State Berks works collaboratively with THON at Penn State University Park to raise funds and spread awareness of pediatric cancer. The student organization holds fundraisers throughout the year, including a 5K run/walk, a Vera Bradley and Sports Bingo event, and an Inspire the Night Dinner, just to name a few.