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THON’s History: By The Numbers

We all know that THON is a massive undertaking. After all, it is the culmination of seven months of intense fundraising for the kids. But how much, exactly, goes into making one of the biggest weekends of the year at Penn State?

Here are some numbers that try to answer that question. Of course, they don’t capture the tremendous energy or spirit in the BJC this weekend, but they show just how huge THON is.

127,887,558.34 dollars raised since THON began in 1973. That’s 43 years for the kids.

13,026,653.23 dollars raised during THON 2015 for the Four Diamonds, the sole beneficiary of the Penn State Dance MaraTHON.

Over 71,000 unique visitors watched the live stream webcasts of THON 2015. That’s enough people to fill the BJC over four times.

31,200 plastic water bottles used at THON 2015. Hopefully, they were recycled upon their emptiness.

10,000 dancer meals were served at THON 2015.

3,300 Four Diamonds families who have never seen a medical bill because of THON’s efforts.

2,980 peanut butter & jelly sandwiches made at THON 2015. The average American will eat 1,500 PB & Js by the time they turn 18. So basically, THON ate 36 years of sandwiches last year.

708 dancers who don’t sit or sleep all weekend.

Over 400 organizations that fundraise for THON. That’s about half of the organizations at Penn State University Park.

349 THON captains who have dedicated their entire school year to THON.

46 hours that we dance through in search for a cure, so one day we will dance in celebration.

4 diamonds. Charles Millard’s son, Christopher, passed away from cancer in 1972. One of Chris’s favorite stories was about a knight who went on a journey to find courage, wisdom, honesty, and strength, or the four diamonds we know today.

0 children and families have been turned away from the Four Diamonds.

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About the Author

Anna Foley

Anna is a senior majoring in Communication Arts & Sciences and Spanish with a minor in Theatre. Yes, she went to Spain. Follow her half-funny thoughts @exfoleyator and send her chain emails at [email protected].

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