Donations are pouring in for two organizations the Paterno family asked people to contribute to following the passing of Joe Paterno.
Special Olympics Pennsylvania has received more than $30,000 since the former longtime Penn State football coach passed away Sunday. Nicole Jones, a spokeswoman for the organization, said it isn’t uncommon to see an online donation every few minutes. At the current pace of donations this week, Jones has no idea how high the final tally could reach.
The Paterno family has asked that, in lieu of flowers or gifts, donations be made to Special Olympics Pennsylvania or THON, Penn State’s annual dance marathon that raises money year-round to combat childhood cancer.
THON spokeswoman Kirsten Quisenberry said the student-run philanthropy does not release any amount of donations until February’s dance marathon. A summary of fundraising efforts in connection with Paterno’s memorial will not be released until next fall, she said.
“Generally speaking, there have been a lot of people who feel he was more than just a coach, who was a true supporter of Penn State and Penn State students,” Quisenberry said.
A button has been added to the THON website to differentiate between regular donations and ones made in memory of Paterno, who passed away Sunday at age 85, some two months after starting chemotherapy and radiation treatments for lung cancer.
THON has also had discussions about honoring Coach Paterno during its 46-hour event next month at the Bryce Jordan Center, but nothing is finalized.
Jones also said the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Board of Directors plans to meet with Sue Paterno at the appropriate time to discuss specific areas to which to direct the funds from her husband’s memorial. In 2008, both Joe and his wife Sue were inducted into Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s Hall of Fame.
Expect tributes to Joe Paterno at May’s Hall of Fame ceremony outside Philadelphia and June’s Special Olympics Summer Games in State College, Jones said.
“The outpouring of support from the Penn State community and across the country has been overwhelming,” Jones said. The funds will go to year-round training and competition for the 20,000 athletes Special Olympics benefits across the state.
Special Olympics Pennsylvania President and CEO Matt Aaron posted a statement on the organization’s website thanking the Paternos for their support through the years and offering condolences for their loss.
“His legacy for many will revolve around his achievements as a legendary football coach,” the statement reads, “but we will remember him as well for his more than 20 years of support and love for Special Olympics athletes.”
A memorial service for Paterno was held Thursday afternoon at the Jordan Center, capping a week of mourning for tens of thousands who descended upon State College to pay final respects.
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