Penn State’s dance marathon, THON, raises more than $10 million, despite virtual delivery amid a global pandemic

Pennsylvania State University’s 46-hour dance marathon, known as THON, raised $10.6 million for pediatric cancer research and patient support this weekend, despite having to adjust to a virtual format because of the pandemic.

That’s only about a million shy of last year’s total, when more than 700 dancers and thousands of spectators were able to pack the Bryce Jordan Center. And it comes in a year when many families are facing financial hardships as a result of the pandemic.

“It was better than anybody could have expected it to be,” Katie Solomon, a fifth-year senior from Lansdale serving as executive director of THON this year, said in an interview minutes after the event ended and the total was announced. “We did not expect to get to this level. That 10.6 is something I’ll be proud of for the rest of my life.”

It was the first time in THON’s nearly 50-year history that the dance marathon was held virtually and livestreamed. Over the course of the weekend, 165,000 unique viewers from more than 70 countries tuned in, student THON leaders said. That’s about 35,000 viewers more than last year.

» READ MORE: Penn State's 46-hour THON is going virtual this year

A total of 592 dancers participated individually at their homes. And instead of staying awake and on their feet all 46 hours, they were told to rest between midnight and 6 a.m., given that medical support wasn’t on hand as it usually is at the Bryce Jordan Center. Dancers, instead, were asked to perform other challenges throughout the weekend, from participating in games and posting selfies to donning wacky outfits.

Solomon said no major health problems were reported, other than some nausea and fatigue as is typical with any THON weekend.

Billed as the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, THON filmed some entertainment events at the Bryce Jordan Center, both prerecorded and live, but spectators were not allowed in.

Because THON had to rely on a livestream, it was really able to connect with audiences outside the State College area this year, Solomon said, and it’s something the organization will seek to replicate after the pandemic.

The fund-raising total included donations that have come in since July 1, through an online giving platform, merchandise sales, donor drives, corporate sponsorships and pledges made during the weekend.

“I just can’t stop smiling,” said Suzanne Graney, executive director of the Four Diamonds charity, based at Penn State Children’s Hospital in Hershey. At a post-event news conference, she said she felt “just complete pride in what these students have made happen, and relief for our families to know that the community is going to support this mission through thick and thin no matter what may come.”

» READ MORE: "Dancing for my Dad;: Penn State's Thon unites generations ini the fight against pediatric cancer

State College Mayor Ronald Filippelli announced on the livestream at the beginning of the dance marathon on Friday that the borough would be renamed the City of THON for the weekend.

Solomon and two other students kicked off THON onstage, standing apart and wearing masks.

“THON will not stop for literally anything but a cure,” she said.