THON 2010 raised more than $7.8 million, an announcement that was met with overwhelming energy in the Bryce Jordan Center Sunday afternoon.
“When I first saw the total, to put it in perspective, I actually fell out of my chair and started weeping on the ground,” said IFC/Panhellenic Council Dance Marathon Chairwoman Caitlin Zankowski. “I couldn’t believe we did it.”
‘It’ was raising more money than ever before for the Four Diamonds Fund, which helps the families of children with cancer to pay medical bills without incurring a great amount of debt. Because of the efforts of THON, no family has ever been turned away by the Four Diamonds Fund.
Zanowski credited success of this year’s THON to the volunteers, organizations and families, saying that it was a two-way street where students love to help the families that need them.
“It’s amazing how this thing works out. It’s my 33rd THON and each year it’s just such a force of energy, dedication and love,” said Charles Millard, founder of the Four Diamonds Fund.
Students in attendance at THON had similar sentiments.
“There’s really no words,” said Springfield House member Kelsi Carrick. “You have to be there.”
Carrick said she spent 40 hours at THON this year and spent the six other hours sleeping.
Samantha Kohler, also a member of Springfield House, was also overwhelmed with excitement when the $7,838,054.36 total was revealed.
“It went beyond my expectations,” she said, “I don’t think you’ll ever really get it unless you have the experience.”
Stacy Newell has had that experience five times so far and she keeps coming back. Her sister was THON chair in 2007, and she is now part of the Fayette Campus THON, the winners of the branch campus totals this year.
“It’s the competition that keeps THON going,” she said of her campus’ contribution. “But I kinda hope someone beats us so we can increase the total.”
After the total was unveiled, many were eager to congratulate the dancers and committee members on the floor. Ron Meeks drove the 230 miles from Cranford, NJ, to support his daughter, a dancer for Women in Business.
“I would’ve carried her on my back if I could have,” he said, “[THON] is more than I expected: the energy, the synergy, the camaraderie.”
Paul Squeglia, member of Alpha Phi Delta fraternity, was also anxious to talk to his friends on the floor.
“Being here with my house, my friends, the kids – it’s awesome,” he said, “It just keeps getting bigger and better every year.”
For the Snyder family, THON is an unexplainable experience that represents their daughter’s fight with cancer back in 2007.
“The first four days were without sleep (while waiting for a diagnosis), so in a way we can kind of understand the dancers going through 46 hours without sleep,” said Kevin, the father.
Through courage, honesty, wisdom, and strength THON is a good representation of the human battle against cancer and the caring goodness of the human heart.
“We are emotionally spent right now but loved every minute of it and can’t wait for next year,” said Snyder.
