THON’s executive committee announced Friday before the start of Penn State’s Homecoming Parade that the theme for THON 2017 is ‘Igniting Hope Within.’
The announcement of the theme at the parade has become a tradition for THON and Homecoming.
“Penn State students are unlike any other, and just as THON has ignited a selfless pursuit for compassion in our hearts, it has also ignited a community with a sense of purpose for a greater good,” the organization said in announcing the selection.
Revealing the theme is an annual milestone in the journey toward THON, the 46-hour Dance Marathon that caps a year-round student fundraising effort for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey to support pediatric cancer research and patient. Now that the theme is released, steam will begin to pick up and activities like the THON 5K, 100 days until THON, and the family carnival are just around the corner. One of two canning weekends is already in the books, and THON volunteers will again travel out for the second over the weekend of Oct. 28-30.
This year’s THON weekend will take place Feb. 17-19 at the Bryce Jordan Center.
“The Executive Committee is thrilled to announce the theme for THON 2017,” said Public Relations Director Sam Sherlock. “We hope that this theme will serve as an inspiration for Four Diamonds families, student volunteers, and all those who take part in our mission.”
The theme, as most, is emblematic of THON’s overall mission but will be especially prevalent throughout the journey to and during THON 2017. “Igniting Hope Within isn’t something new to THON 2017. This is an action we have engaged in for years, and one that we will always aspire to continue,” the announcement further explained of the theme.
Last year, THON raised. $9.77 million.
