46 hours of dancing. No sleeping. No sitting.
So, of course there has got to be some good food involved.
Penn State's THON is the largest run student-run philanthropy in the world. The year-long fundraising culminates in a 46-hour dance marathon held in the Bryce Jordan Center each year.
All funds are donated to the Four Diamonds which supports research, therapy and medical expenses, so sponsored families never have to see a medical bill. This year, 708 dancers took the floor to help in the fight against pediatric cancer.
Hospitality committee members serving, operations committee cleaning and local restaurants donating are all integral in the weekend to fuel the dancers in their mission of 46 hours on two feet.
Below are some behind-the-scenes facts about the weekend that you may not have known before waiting in the THON line.
1. After THON, all dancers can receive a free dinner on Monday.
Penn State Dining is a large sponsor of THON, offering hot chocolate and snacks to those waiting in the THON line, as well as offering a dinner to the dancers at any of the on-campus dining locations. All their meals and snacks are free during the weekend.
2. No caffeine or energy supplements are permitted at any time for dancers
The dancers are not allowed to have coffee or energy drinks on the floor, as it makes them easier to crash. Although it might be advised to use these supplements for class on Monday…
3. But as a spectator, you can purchase coffee on the concourse
Counterintuitive, the Bryce Jordan Center offered soda and coffee at the concession stands. It’s a great pick-me-up, but be wary if you are planning on being in the stands for an extended period of time as caffeine can have negative effects on the body.
4. Hot pink = food
The hospitality committee, wearing hot pink, is the crew in charge of feeding the 708 dancers. The 20 captain-committee also organized and provided meals to dancers, THON volunteers, Four Diamonds families and probably Joe Jonas too.
Most of the food is donated from local restaurants and companies, so the committee is in charge of reaching out and coordinating these donations.
5. Local restaurants ignite the fire within
Well, to boil a lot of pasta. The Tavern, located on College Ave, promoted half-price pasta dinner for any THON dancers the Thursday night before THON. The owner has been offering this deal for over 20 years. In addition, Irving's, Fiddlehead, Subway and the Creamery are just a few restaurants also donating goodies to THON.
6. Cookies For The Kids
THON explorations give families the opportunity to play at Penn State in a more personalized setting catered toward their interests, which were held on Saturday afternoon of THON weekend. Explorations range from working out with the football players, to riding ponies with club equestrian. One of the opportunities includes taking a cooking/baking class at the Penn Stater Hotel.
Penn State's 2017 THON dance marathon raised $10,045,478.44 this year in the fight against pediatric cancer.
Now to get some good rest, Penn State, you deserve it.