The 46-hour dance marathon was held virtually this year due to the pandemic.
Among those taking part was Makenzie Tobin. She s a senior at Penn State.
This year, THON raised $10,638,078.62.
Jillian Pikora The Penn State THON dance marathon concluded Sunday in Pennsylvania.Typically thousands of dancers and volunteers gather at Penn State s Bryce Jordan Center, where they stay on their feet for 46 hours straight to raise money for pediatric cancer research.Those dancers participated from their own homes this year. Last year, students were able to raise more than $11.5 million for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children’s Hospital.This year s total was $10,638,078.62This is a less than last year s total, but given the changes due to the pandemic it is still very impressive. The current record is $13.34 million raised in 2014. Over the past 47 years, the 46 hour dance marathon has raised over $178 million. The money raised helps children and their families fight cancer.THON is a student-run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Its mission is to provide emotional and financial support
One local senior is now on her feet dancing for the kids.
Makenize Tobin s family transformed the Aqua String Band Club House in Philadelphia s Bridesburg section for the event.
Tobin is a senior at Penn State, majoring in speech language pathology.
Like most things in the past year, THON is virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But there are still special guests.
Musician Quinn XCII performed for THON on Friday night. Duo Louis the Child will perform Saturday night.
THON raises money and awareness for childhood cancer, benefiting Penn State Hershey Children s Hospital.
You can tune into the livestream on THON s website at https://thon.org/livestream.