THON, a history of record-breaking fundraising 'For the Kids'

THON, a history of record-breaking fundraising 'For the Kids'

Credit: Graph courtesy of THON THON's fundraising totals from 1973 through 2012.

Drum roll, please … and the total is … $10,686,924.83!

This was yet another record-breaking year in fundraising for THON, the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, with almost $10.7 million raised by many dedicated Penn State students. The total represents a 12 percent increase over last year's nearly $9.6 million record. Going back as far as 2005, THON has continually set and broken its annual fundraising records.

To see specific figures for THON totals since 1973, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/pennstatelive/6920508103/in/photostream online.

In addition to increases in recent years, some other notable record-breaking years include an 88 percent increase in 1977, an 84 percent increase in 1978 and a 47 percent increase in 1991. In fact, on the eve of THON’s 40th anniversary, fundraising totals had recorded increases over the previous year 33 of 39 times and double-digit increases in 28 of the 39 follow-up years. 

This year, the THON fundraising team built on what has worked in past years.

“We continued pushing THONvelopes and corporate mailings, sending out more than ever before," said Victoria Marone, overall finance chairperson for THON. “Our PR team worked as hard as ever to get THON's name and our website out as far as possible; we added and facilitated honorary giving; we enabled more volunteers than ever to participate in canister solicitation; kept up our relationships with corporate donors; and just continued doing everything else we have done in the past.”

Some types of THON fundraising include:

-- Canning: This method of direct solicitation to the public through the use of decorated contains has been in existence since the inception of THON.

-- Direct mailing: In addition to regular mail solicitation, about four years ago THONvelopes were initiated. THONvelopes, a very successful form of solicitation, are decorated and personalized with a note, photos, etc. and oftentimes sent to relatives and friends.

-- Online donations: With the advent of the Internet, new fundraising methods now include online donations, which have evolved in recent years to include the ability for individuals to make honorary or memorial contributions.

-- Social media: The Internet also has brought about the emergence of social media as a method to raise money for THON.

Funds raised by THON go to support the Four Diamonds Fund and its pediatric cancer patients, families and researchers at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital who are working to find better treatments and, ultimately, cures for forms of cancer that afflict children.

THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world and engages more than 15,000 student volunteers. The yearlong effort raises funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer and culminates in a 46-hour, no sitting, no-sleeping marathon each February.

First held in 1973, THON has partnered with the Four Diamonds Fund since 1977 and in that time has raised more than $89 million FTK -- "For The Kids."

For a graph of THON philanthropy since 1973, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/pennstatelive/6774393488/.

For additional information about THON, go to http://THON.org.