Our History
1984 - Silver Shoes Committee
Anticipating the historical importance of the approaching 15th Anniversary of THON; Dave Dapko and Cathy Hales McClain petitioned for the creation of a THON alumni group called the Silver Shoes Committee. They were joined in their campaign by Brian Ray and Christine Madden Papadopoulos. The idea behind the group’s formation was to focus on getting alumni back together to relive their THON moments. Many didn’t want to simply let THON go when they departed from Happy Valley, so they sought out a way for all alumni to remain engaged in one of the most influential events of their lives and thus the birth of the Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group.
Anticipating the historical importance of the approaching 15th Anniversary of THON; Dave Dapko and Cathy Hales McClain petitioned for the creation of a THON alumni group called the Silver Shoes Committee. They were joined in their campaign by Brian Ray and Christine Madden Papadopoulos. The idea behind the group’s formation was to focus on getting alumni back together to relive their THON moments. Many didn’t want to simply let THON go when they departed from Happy Valley, so they sought out a way for all alumni to remain engaged in one of the most influential events of their lives and thus the birth of the Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group.
1995 - Recognized as a PSAA Alumni Interest Group
It was in this first year that this handful of individuals set ahead of them four goals to accomplish: 1) Establish an alumni organization; 2) Hold a black tie event; 3) Establish the Rick Funk Scholarship; and 4) Produce the written history of the first 25 years of THON. Although they were low in numbers, this group forged ahead to achieve these goals that they set out for themselves. The first major success was the black tie event commemorating THON’s 25 year history. Past overalls were invited from every year and they showed up in numbers, as well as many former dancers and family members. This was a wonderfully successful event that was also attended by Four Diamonds founders, Charles and Irma Millard, and Penn State University President at the time, Graham Spanier.
It was in this first year that this handful of individuals set ahead of them four goals to accomplish: 1) Establish an alumni organization; 2) Hold a black tie event; 3) Establish the Rick Funk Scholarship; and 4) Produce the written history of the first 25 years of THON. Although they were low in numbers, this group forged ahead to achieve these goals that they set out for themselves. The first major success was the black tie event commemorating THON’s 25 year history. Past overalls were invited from every year and they showed up in numbers, as well as many former dancers and family members. This was a wonderfully successful event that was also attended by Four Diamonds founders, Charles and Irma Millard, and Penn State University President at the time, Graham Spanier.
2007 - DMAIG Alumni Dancers
As the Dance Marathon AIG began to develop more it was able to institute an alumni couple to represent the various years of THON alumni on the floor for the full two days. With the alumni couple and the addition of the alumni hour, the Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group (DMAIG) took some early steps forward in making THON Weekend more attractive for alumni to participate in. Outside of THON Weekend, DMAIG has assisted alumni in hosting fundraising events all over the country to continue to give our alumni and other THON supporters an opportunity to gather together and to raise funds for THON and Four Diamonds. As the DMAIG continues to follow the basic ideals of the founders it also seeks out new ways to expand and grow to best benefit our membership and the world’s largest student run philanthropy in the world.
As the Dance Marathon AIG began to develop more it was able to institute an alumni couple to represent the various years of THON alumni on the floor for the full two days. With the alumni couple and the addition of the alumni hour, the Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group (DMAIG) took some early steps forward in making THON Weekend more attractive for alumni to participate in. Outside of THON Weekend, DMAIG has assisted alumni in hosting fundraising events all over the country to continue to give our alumni and other THON supporters an opportunity to gather together and to raise funds for THON and Four Diamonds. As the DMAIG continues to follow the basic ideals of the founders it also seeks out new ways to expand and grow to best benefit our membership and the world’s largest student run philanthropy in the world.
2016 - Hope From Coast 2 Coast
The purpose of HFC2C is to ignite alumni and alumni groups around the country to unite in the fight against childhood cancer.
Established in 2016 as a virtual run/walk event, Hope From Coast to Coast is the Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group’s (DMAIG) annual fundraising effort to raise funds to support THON.
In 2019, DMAIG is expanded the fundraiser to include physical events in order to reach more alumni and alumni groups.
The purpose of HFC2C is to ignite alumni and alumni groups around the country to unite in the fight against childhood cancer.
Established in 2016 as a virtual run/walk event, Hope From Coast to Coast is the Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group’s (DMAIG) annual fundraising effort to raise funds to support THON.
In 2019, DMAIG is expanded the fundraiser to include physical events in order to reach more alumni and alumni groups.
2019 - Advocate Network
This program empowers THON alumni to build bridges in their communities in support of THON's mission. DMAIG Advocates work in meaningful ways to raise awareness and resources to help conquer childhood cancer, and play a leadership role in engaging local alumni to actively join the fight.
This program empowers THON alumni to build bridges in their communities in support of THON's mission. DMAIG Advocates work in meaningful ways to raise awareness and resources to help conquer childhood cancer, and play a leadership role in engaging local alumni to actively join the fight.