Penn State Thon breaks another fundraising record in fight against pediatric cancer

Penn State Thon broke another fundraising record with the 2024 dance marathon that ended on Sunday, raising $16,955,683.63 in support of children and families impacted by pediatric cancer.

That’s $1.9 million more than the student-run philanthropy raised in 2023. Last year, the $15,006,132 total smashed previous records and marked the first time the total exceeded $15 million.

Founded in 1973, Thon is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world and raises millions of dollars each year for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital in Hershey.

After a year of fundraising efforts, 708 student dancers began their 46 hours of standing at 6 p.m. on Friday at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Surrounded by a stadium full of supporters and over 16,500 student volunteers, dancers spent the weekend with Four Diamonds families and participated in a five minute student-choreographed line dance each hour to keep the energy flowing.

Pop rock band Walk The Moon hit the Thon stage as the Friday night national act and sang hits like “Shut Up and Dance” to a roaring, luminous crowd of students, families and members of the Penn State community.

The weekend continued with various speeches, performances and activities, including the annual Saturday night pep rally, won by Penn State men’s gymnastics, and the annual Four Diamonds Kids Fashion and Talent Show.

After dancers finally sat at 4 p.m. Sunday, organizers announced the organizations and individuals who raised the most over the year to contribute to the record-setting total.

• Zeta Tau Alpha and Alpha Tau Omega raised the most money of Greek organizations at $509,207.75.

• Phi Chi Theta raised the most money of general organizations at $246,266.29.

• Taylor and Dani Sekelsky had the highest independent couple fundraising total at $50,464.25.

• Penn State Fayette raised the most money of the commonwealth campuses that participate at Thon at $98,038.33.

• Atlas raised the most money of special interest organizations at $277.754.46.

The weekend concluded with the Final Four, which includes a “family hour” dedicated to recognizing, memorializing and hearing the stories of Four Diamonds kids and families.

Penn State Thon has raised more than $219 million and helped 4,800 families over the course of 52 years.