Name: Emily Granito

Major: Architectural Engineering – Construction Management Option

Previous THON Experience:

THON 2021: Special Events committee member
THON 2022: Hospitality committee member
THON 2023: Hospitality beverages captain
THON 2024: Hospitality logistics captain

What made you want to apply for a director position for THON 2025?

I wanted to apply to be on the THON 2025 Executive Committee to grow closer to the growth and love this organization provided to Four Diamonds families. After having multiple experiences being a THON committee member and captain, I wanted to be in the role to inspire other volunteers that they too can make a difference in the life of a child with cancer.

The THON community has given me so much during my Penn State experience and I am passionate about giving my all back to THON. Being able to serve as the Hospitality director this year allows me to bring smiles to the faces of Four Diamonds families at all THON events through one of the ways I know best, food. Food is a sign of love and comfort, and I want to be a spark to spread those feelings across the THON community.

What are your responsibilities as a THON Director?

The Hospitality committee is responsible for acquiring all of the food and beverage donations that feed our thousands of families, dancers, and volunteers at all pre-THON events and THON Weekend. We work to ensure that 100% of all food and beverages we serve is donated by local and in-state donors so the THON Weekend total can maximized.

As the Hospitality director, I help coordinate the relationships with many of these donors along with leading my amazing committee of 22 captains and 250+ committee members. This group of passionate volunteers works all of THON Weekend working at all concessions stands, meals served on the event level, and ensuring all dancers stay hydrated.

What do you want to implement in your position this year that differs from years past?

This year, I have worked to help make strides to reducing food waste and tackling food insecurity by increasing our partnerships with local organizations in the State College community to safely divert leftover food after events. Sustainability is such an important aspect of THON and the role Hospitality plays in the THON community. Being able to support local food pantries and shelters by reducing waste on our planet is something that is extremely rewarding and aligns with our mission. A greener world is a healthier world for the Four Diamonds Families we support.

What makes your committee so cool, fun, and/or important?

The Hospitality Committee is an outgoing, silly bunch of passionate volunteers who “Fuel the Fight” against childhood cancer! We get the privilege to interact with so many of THON’s stakeholders throughout the year including committee volunteers, organizations, dancers, spectators, donors, and Four Diamonds families! We take “serving with a smile” seriously as we get to wear our favorite color… pink! Our hot pink outfits are almost always accompanied by the international symbol of hospitality…a pineapple! There is never a dull moment being a THON Hospitality volunteer and being able to serve in style.

What are the overall goals you hope to reach with your committee for THON 2025?

This year, Hospitality sought to welcome more donors into the THON community. With both in-kind food donations as well as Hospitality profit-sharing promotions at restaurant locations, we have been able to achieve this goal so far this year! To continue our efforts to be more inclusive in the food we serve, Hospitality has made it a priority this year to source food donations from donors that provide options that accommodate special dietary needs and allergies, so that everyone at a THON event can enjoy a meal!

Why do you THON?

I THON so one day we will dance in celebration of a cure and no parent will ever have to hear the words “your child has cancer.” The reasons why I THON grows stronger every day I am involved in this organization through the passionate volunteers I am connected with and the fearless families we support.

I THON because our impact expands beyond the bounds of Pennsylvania. The support THON brings to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital funds research that has made impacts worldwide to people with cancer. I THON to create “A Home for Hope” for Four Diamonds families and beyond, and to help the world grow closer and closer to a cure for cancer.

What’s your favorite THON memory?

My favorite THON memory is Family Hour during THON 2023, my first year being a THON captain. Experiencing the love and support radiating from every volunteer, dancer, and Four Diamonds family member was an unexplainable feeling. Feeling so close to THON’s mission during this time was one of the most special moments of my life. It fueled my passion for THON that has burned brighter and brighter each year, all For the Kids!

Per Onward State tradition, if you could be any dinosaur, which one would you be and why?

I would be Rex the dinosaur from “Toy Story.” I would love to think I’m as silly and goofy as he is!