THON 2010 countdown begins at 100 days

And then there were 99.

Yesterday marked 100 days until the kickoff of THON 2010, but Elyse Adams said the work began long ago.

“Cancer doesn’t restrict itself to any given weekend. THON is a year-long effort, and today is a great day to celebrate all of our hard work,” said Adams, THON 2010’s Public Relations Chair.

Yesterday’s event, 100 Days ‘Til THON, was led by DJ Larry Moore and included Penn State cheerleaders, the Nittany Lion, Penn State Lionettes, Orchesis Dance Company, Whiplash Dance Team, PJ Maierhofer, the Penn State Majorettes and speakers from several THON organizations.

“The level of people’s energy and excitement is just going through the roof,” Adams said.

Students put their imaginations to use with creative activities like THONveloping, making and decorating Kids Mail, and coloring Dollar Diamond Donations, which will be displayed in the BJC during THON Weekend.

The Hospitality Committee hosted candy sales throughout the entire campus and downtown.

At 3:15 p.m., the Old Main lawn became a Silent Rave. Hundreds of students were seen dancing and head bobbing to their iPods.

Alex Pizzutillo, a sophomore English major, participated in the Silent Rave last year and returned for round two.

“You look completely ridiculous from the outside, but its always a good time. It’s fun and it’s for THON. I figured, “Why not do it again?” Pizzutillo said.

A half-hour later, hundreds of students wearing their official 100 Days ‘Til THON T-shirts lined up to spell T-H-O-N with their fellow volunteers.

Constance Manderino, a sophomore film major and member of the Entertainment Committee, wore her T-shirt with pride.

“THON means all of Penn State coming together for one cause. We all have different specialties and different interests, but THON is coming together for one specific purpose, helping the kids,” Manderino said.

It’s the best time of the year, Adams said.

“We had a record attendance at THON 5K, THON was featured at the Ohio/ Penn State game over the weekend, and this Sunday, the THON 2010 logo will be revealed,” she said.