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What You Can Buy With The 2024 THON Total Of $16,955,683.63?

Penn State’s annual THON Weekend is now over, an event that culminated in a total fundraising reveal of nearly $17 million. While all the money is going to an amazing cause, helping to find a cure to end pediatric cancer, an amount of cash this large got us thinking: what can you buy with over $16 million?

We brainstormed a few options to provide some perspective. If you ever stumble upon a sum of dough of this magnitude, take these numbers with a grain of salt, as prices may fluctuate.

4 Million Dirty Sprites

While we don’t recommend spending anywhere close to $16 million on this Champs classic, the math adds up. And if you head to South Allen Street during happy hour, increase the four million to eight million dirty sprites. That’s enough for every Penn State student ~over the age of 21~ to have roughly 727 beverages on the house. Please drink responsibly, Penn State.

4,571,428 Gallons Of Gas

Gas in Pennsylvania is pricey these days, but if you have the THON total in your bank account, it becomes less of a concern. The money raised For The Kids can fuel the average car with enough gas to go from Philly to Pittsburgh 374,707 times. Of course, this includes a stop in State College on the way. 

12,307 Semesters Of Tier-Three Meal Plan

As a wise Penn Stater once said, “thank God for meal plan.” There’s nothing better than purchasing an item, only to find out that meal plan is an accepted form of payment. The sensation of being at ease knowing the cost is not coming directly out of pocket is unparalleled. Tier three is the highest level, equating to nearly $1,300 of dining money. Now, imagine having 12,307 times this amount to spend at free will. Think of the amount of chicken baskets that can be purchased. Yes, please.

0.0001 International Space Stations

The ISS is said to be the most expensive thing ever built by humans. It cost nearly $150 billion dollars to develop. While the amount of money raised for THON is truly life-changing, the cost of the Space Station really puts things into perspective on a global level. So much more money can be raised and donated to children battling pediatric cancer. We need to continue to fight for a cure and every dollar counts. But, if you do happen to stumble across $16 million, spending it on one ten-thousandth of the ISS is certainly a possibility.

One Old Main

Yes, one of the most iconic landmarks in Happy Valley can too be yours. In fact, you would even have a few million bucks to spare. The “new” Old Main was constructed in 1930 and cost around $837,000 to build, equivalent to roughly $14,600,000 million today. With this purchase, you would be able to acquire the bell tower, along with President Neeli Bendapudi’s office.

1,118 Super Bowl Weekend Trips

Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas was one of the most costly games ever, with the average entry-ticket price being around $8,000. Factor in airfare from Pennsylvania, meals to feed a small family, and three nights at an iconic hotel on the strip, and you’re looking at a trip costing close to $15,000.

307 Bitcoin

One bitcoin is the equivalent of about 52,000 United States dollars. I’m no expert in cryptocurrency, but what I do know is that 307 is quite a lot. So for those involved, buy and invest, or do whatever you do with Bitcoin. Maybe give some to the kids.

80,000 White Out Tickets

Yup, you still wouldn’t be able to fill up Beaver Stadium with $16 million. But having that many tickets makes for a profitable resale business. The average White Out ticket is just north of $200. So if you’re debating on whether or not to attend, I highly suggest acquiring $16 million to make that decision an easy one.

16 Million Hot Dogs On Dollar Dog Night

Dollar Dog Night is one of baseball’s finest promotions. So what better way to spend $16 million than on 16 million glizzies? Instead of attempting the one hotdog for every hour of THON challenge next year, maybe we should try one for every million raised. 

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About the Author

Jamie Lynch

Jamie is a second-year statistics student from Chappaqua, NY. He loves to swim and is a member of the club team here at Penn State. Jamie is also in the Schreyer Honors College, and wishes there was an advanced course in college football fandom (scored 118/133 on the mascot quiz). Avid ping-pong player, dairy lover, and has met two U.S. Presidents, in case anyone was wondering. If you have anything to share, or want to debate the AP Poll with someone, email [email protected] or reach out on instagram @jamie.ly3.

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