THON

The Penn State Dance Marathon, or THON, is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. Since its inception in 1973, THON has raised over $20 million for the Four Diamonds Fund, a fund established to provide care and assistance to families with children who have cancer.

Every year in late February, student "dancers" stay awake and on their feet in Rec Hall for 48 hours straight. In addition, thousands of other students provide support for the dancers and the event as security personnel, chairpersons, facilities management and other various roles.

ELDU proudly participates in THON each year with 4 dancers, and a number of ELDU members have also been support personnel. Through corporate donations and canning (direct solicitation), ELDU raises money each year for THON. ELDU enjoys their role in helping others.