Click here to read an interview with Maddy Pryor, DMAIG Public Relations Director, from Penn State News
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As most of the northeast will be dealing with Winter Storm Jonas, the Atlanta Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association will be grooving the night away.
Taking place on Friday, February 19th at Park Tavern’s Piedmont Room, attendees will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a buffet dinner, and an open bar. Dress ranges from business casual to black tie. As Diamonds Chairperson for Penn State Atlanta, Lauren Coleman is looking forward to “a night well spent with family and friends all in support of THON!” Coleman wasn’t involved in THON as a student, but decided after graduation that it’s never too late to get involved — and we at DMAIG couldn’t agree more. Her favorite part about getting involved post-graduation from Penn State is “being able to see the THON impact grow, especially in Georgia.” As Diamonds Chairperson, it’s Coleman’s job to organize and run the event. If you’re unable to join the fun on Friday, she says, donations are always welcomed! For more information about Diamonds Over Georgia, you can check out their website, Twitter, and Facebook pages — or, send an email to diamonds@psuatlanta.com. Whether you love chocolate, beer, wine, or just raising a toast FTK, the Capital Area Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association’s Fifth Annual event, A Toast To Four Diamonds, has something for everybody.
The event takes place on Friday, January 22nd at 6:30 at – you guessed it – Hershey’s Chocolate World. Those in attendance will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a cocktail hour, live music, and a silent auction in addition to special guest speakers. As a sell-out event each year, event chair Robin Tilley (’11) looks forward to sharing her passion for the Four Diamonds with new faces each and every time. “I also love seeing repeat faces and knowing that guests have learned to feel strongly about it, too,” said Tilley. After getting “hooked” on THON her freshman year as a Rules & Regulations committee member, Tilley then independently danced as a sophomore in 2009 – she notes that running a marathon pales in comparison, something she’s done twice since! – and then joined a Hospitality committee as a junior, and got to work with mini THONs as a senior on a Communications committee. “As you can tell, I was trying to experience as many different sides of THON as I possibly could,” she said. “I couldn’t get enough.” There are a limited amount of tickets available for this weekend’s event, which features a VIP session with Jay Paterno for sponsors, emcees from local television (Fox43) and radio (Warm 103.3) stations, and a photo booth. In addition, attendees will hear Marcus Josey’s story from his mother Andrea, and will also be lead in a toast by Lydia Hess. Tilley talked about staying involved with THON after graduating in saying she is still “feeling in some way connected to THON and knowing I can still make a difference.” She added, “Possibly the hardest part about graduating was knowing that my time supporting children through Four Diamonds was over…Boy, was I wrong!” Anyone interested in volunteering, sponsoring, or in any way contributing to a Toast to Four Diamonds can email Robin at fourdiamonds@psucapitalarea.org. They have a website which you can view here. In addition to Twitter and Facebook. As the winter weather (slowly, but surely) approaches, it’s time again for Penn State alumni THON event season. The first (of many) events this year is Dance for a Cure (D4aC).
Led by Liz Gerancher (’10), who considers D4aC her “baby,” as well as Chris Bogen (’91) and Lori Kapes (’08), the event is happening on Saturday, January 16th from 7pm until 1am at Mixx Nightclub & Sports Bar in Allentown, PA. As is true with most THON events, there’s but one rule – dance! At D4AC, there will be instructors teaching a different kind of dance every hour throughout the event, including salsa, hip-hop, and country line dancing. “You won’t find another event where you can get so much in one night,” says Gerancher. In addition to the dancing, for the price of $20 ($25 at the door), attendees will also get to participate in a silent auction, bowling, pictures with the Nittany Lion, and a buffet. As a student, Gerancher was the THON Chair of Penn State Lehigh Valley, a student advisor, and danced for PSU LV as a junior. She has stayed involved with THON through this event that has been given the Fundraiser of the Year award from DMAIG. “I think my favorite part of staying involved with THON after graduation is that I can help the students,” she says. “It’s so fun to be involved in their fundraising events and to help out if they need advice or input from the alumni.” As for what she’s looking forward to at this year’s D4AC, she excitedly claimed, “country line dancing, because I missed it last year!” To buy tickets for Dance For a Cure, click here, and check out their Twitter here. For more information, you can contact Liz Gerancher at emg5054@gmail.com. Want to be featured on our blog? Send an email to alumni.events@dmaig.org. Imagine the grueling intensity of a half-marathon and the blood, sweat, and tears that went into training for it.
Now imagine starting in last place…on purpose. That’s the idea behind Cents of Hope, a THON fundraiser in its 5th year of existence. This Sunday, Cents of Hope participants will start last in the Philadelphia Half-Marathon and collect money from friends and family based upon the number of people they pass. Steve Huber, a 2013 graduate of Penn State, got the idea from his father who saw a similar fundraiser in Runner’s World magazine. “We both loved the concept so I decided to apply it to the Philadelphia Marathon to benefit THON,” said Huber of Cents of Hope’s inception. The yearly fundraiser has collected more than $30,000 for THON. Huber, a former brother of AKPsi who danced in THON 2013, began training and raising money as a solo runner for the 2011 Philadelphia Half-Marathon and, since then, Cents of Hope’s success has grown exponentially as other participants were invited to join. This year, 25 runners, both students and alumni, are raising money for 10 different THON organizations. Although he won’t be running this year, Huber is still looking forward to race day. He says, “As we have grown, my role has evolved to be more administrative with less time to train… or at least that’s my excuse! I am very excited to meet all of our new runners, take lots of pictures and be a full-time cheerleader.” Cents of Hope has also expanded outside of the Philadelphia area — runners can now run through Cents of Hope in the Pittsburgh Marathon come May 2016. “Despite the major changes,” says Huber, “our mission remains the same: to build a community of runners, sponsors and supporters who are dedicated to conquering childhood cancer.” Further, he says, “We run to inspire charitable action and provide a sense of hope for those in need.” For more information about Cents of Hope, visit their website by clicking here, or by emailing centsofhope@gmail.com. The Philadelphia Half-Marathon takes place this Sunday, November 22nd, at 7 a.m. Cents of Hope is still looking for runners and sponsors for the Pittsburgh Half-Marathon, which takes place on May 1, 2016. They can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. For the first time ever, THON alumni in Fairfax, Virginia are hosting a 5K to support DMAIG, The Hope Express, and, ultimately, THON. The Inaugural Fairfax 5K and Kids Fun Run takes place on Saturday, October 31st at the Fairfax County Government Center. Entry is $30 for the 5K ($45 if you’d like a performance t-shirt) and $10 for the Kids Fun Run. Be sure to dress appropriately for Halloween – the race includes a costume contest – and, of course, candy at the finish line.
We spoke with race organizers Mike Carroll and Liz Hartigan to tell us a little more about the event. Carroll, a Hope Express enthusiast, has been a part of running events for 10 years and decided it was time to organize his own. While driving along the Hope Express’s Conquer Route last year, the two began talking about having a similar event in their part of the country – and thus, the Fairfax 5k was born. Both Mike and Liz were heavily involved with THON as students. Carroll was on a Rules and Regulations committee in 2003 and a Morale committee for 2002-2003, and a Morale Captain for THON 2004. Hartigan was also on R&R, in 2008 and 2009, a Donor Relations Committee member in 2010, and was THON Chair for Singing Lions in 2010 and 2011. She also danced for Singing Lions in 2010. Needless to say – these two had the passion needed to plan a THON event post-graduation. Carroll spent the last few months talking to race directors, local municipalities, and running stores to get all of his bases covered, while Hartigan has helped promote through social media and communicate with DMAIG. When asked what she’s looking forward to most on raceday, Hartigan talked about the feeling most Penn Staters have had in trying to explain THON to others. Thankfully, though, she said, “At this event, they will be able to catch on to the enthusiasm and passion for finding a cure for pediatric cancer that so closely matches the passion of THON and the Hope Express.” Carroll noted his anticipation for the Kids Fun Run. After all, he says, “The innocence and excitement of children is why we all chose to get involved with THON in the first place and getting to watch that crazy group of kids run around for candy will surely be the highlight of the day!” He’s also hoping, from a “professional level,” that the event goes off without a hitch – and so do we! While both Carroll and Hartigan are looking forward to raceday, plans are already in advance for next year, so save the date for October 29, 2016! Both of these proud Penn State alumni are not only anticipating a day of fun and fundraising, but they’re hoping to bring awareness of THON and the Hope Express to Northern Virginia. After all, says Hartigan, “By extending the Hope Express to Fairfax, we’re demonstrating how the power of passionate individuals can make a large difference in this world. Running 3.1 miles is just one way to do that, but becoming part of something bigger than yourself can make a world of difference.” For more information about the Inaugural Fairfax 5K & Kids Fun Run, visit their website at fairfax5k.com or call 814-808-KIDS (5437). They’re also on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The fight against childhood cancer is not confined to State College, Pennsylvania. For two years, we have asked you to share your memories and inspire other Penn State alumni across the globe to join you in spreading THON’s mission to conquer childhood cancer. This has resulted in more than 60,000 supporters worldwide since THON 2014 and our pursuit of a cure has not stopped. This year we present you with a new challenge — a friendly matchup among alumni generations! Accept the THON 2016 Alumni Challenge today! Donate and share why you support THON on social media — using the hashtag #AlumniFTK — to inspire your fellow graduates to make a difference in the life of a child. Join us to see which decade will raise the most For The Kids! Started in 2011 by members of the Penn State Los Angeles Chapter of the Alumni Association, the Hollywood Dance Marathon has grown exponentially year by year. Since 2011, the 6-hour-long mini dance marathon has raised nearly $200,000. Dancers can sign up at the marathon’s website, lightscameracure.com, and fundraise throughout the year. There’s a $30 registration fee and all dancers ae encouraged to raise a minimum of $300 in order to participate. These dancers get exclusive access, pictures of the ever-famous red carpet, free food, discounted bark drinks, and, of course, the coveted dancer t-shirt!
Gary Werkheiser, Executive Director, says, “Dancers are the heart of this event!” There is, however, something for everybody. From DJs, bands, and other artists like The Filharmonic and The Young Guns, to celebrity ambassadors like Jonathan Bennett (aka Aaron Samuels from Mean Girls) and Scott Michael Foster (of TV shows Greek and Chasing Life), there’s a ton to do for attendees who are not able to dance. This year’s host is Gary’s son, Devon Werkheiser (famous for his work on TV shows Ned’s Declassified and Greek), who also performed at THON 2015. Past celebrity attendees include Moby, Melissa Joan Heart, Drake Bell, and Laura Prepon (just to name a few!). There’s a silent auction with items like a book signed by Mindy Kaling, tickets to Jimmy Kimmel Live, a VIP Visit to FOX NFL Sunday, and more! Finally, the event includes “Family Time,” similar to THON’s Family Hour, which includes speeches from survivors, pediatric cancer doctors and other hospital staff. To join in on the fun, from near or far, visit lightscameracure.com, check out their Facebook page, and follow along on Twitter. This year’s event will be held on March 21 from 1pm-7pm at the Avalon Theater. It’s not too late to sign up and become a dancer! If you can’t be there in person, you can also watch their livestream (links will be posted on Facebook, Twitter, and the LCC website). Proceeds benefit both the Four Diamonds Fund and Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA. If you haven’t been following along with Norman Horn’s journey across the country, now’s the time to start. Norm is trekking “Coast 2 Coast FTK” to raise money and awareness for THON and the Four Diamonds Fund. Starting in April, Norm took off in Southern California and plans to finish up in Atlantic City, NJ this October.
A few years after graduating from Penn State, Norm had the idea to do something big for the kids at Hershey. “It stemmed from being a student at Penn State. I never participated in THON, I always viewed it from the outside,” he said. “It just really became something I wish I became more involved with in the past.” So, he visited Hershey Medical Center and talked to some of their executives to get the ball rolling. Training consisted of hiking in Southern California in order to be near high elevation (and, as he said, remove himself from the east coast winter!). He began walking just a few miles a day and slowly built himself to hiking upwards of 20 miles a day. He added, “It was fun and got me mentally prepared for what I’m doing now. My legs are sore every day, but it’s more of a mental soreness than a physical one.” Having already walked roughly 1700 miles, Norm has gone through 5 pairs of shoes in 3 months and 11 days. Eastern Colorado has, so far, been the toughest part to walk through. Throughout the toughest part, though, he spoke of an elderly couple who found him frustrated and walking late at night. After a 30-mile day and no place to put his tent, they took him in for the night and fed him. “It was an unbelievable circumstance,” Norm said. Norm has raised over $15,000 since his trip began. He’s received packages, donations, letters, and all kinds of interesting things in the mail. He said, “It’s like Christmas for me when I get a package.” He went on to explain that Four Diamonds Families have graciously sent him heartfelt letters and care packages to keep him going. He’s received art from kids going through treatment, and their drawings from when they were done. “It’s a humbling experience,” he said, “I’m preparing myself for the next emotional breakdown. They support me in this beyond my wildest dreams. They’ve gone way over the top to make me comfortable. It’s really humbling. It’s unbelievable!” As for the next few steps in his journey, Norm explained, “I go where I know I can talk to people.” This week he went to Wichita to meet with another cancer foundation, and he’ll be meeting with some Kansas City Penn State Alumni Association members. Some big places he plans on hitting next are St. Louis, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Columbus (after he was invited by the BuckeyeTHON Executive Committee!), Pittsburgh, Hershey, his hometown of Phoenixville, Philadelphia, and, finally, Atlantic City, NJ. Throughout his trek in Pennsylvania (or any leg of the trip), he’s asking for any and all to join in on the fun. “Join my little mission,” he said, “and fight against cancer.” If you would like to contribute to Norm's fundraising efforts, please visit his website. You can keep up with his daily adventures via Facebook and Twitter. If you’d like to chat with Norm or ask him where to send a letter, you can send him an email at norm@coast2coastftk.com. You were one of the thousands who participated in the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. Though your college days are (sadly) behind you, life keeps sending little reminders that you were (and continue to be) an integral part of the great philanthropy that is THON. We Are… Penn State. FTK.
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