Calling All Cleveland Alumni...

This Saturday, February 6, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Winking Lizard in Lakewood, OH, Penn Staters in the Greater Cleveland area will hold the 4th Annual Night Out to Fight Childhood Cancer Benefitting THON.

Kelly Hainer (’98), who was a Communications committee member and captain throughout her time at Penn State, has the help of two chairs for this yearly event.

“I really think this could be the best year yet,” says Hainer, who noted that early ticket sales have been stronger than ever before. She added, “I can’t wait to get into a room surrounded by people who love Penn State and THON.”

Tickets are $30 at the door this weekend which includes food in addition to a cash bar. Raffle tickets and 50/50 tickets will also be available and, this year, children can attend the event for $15 (they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).

Hainer, who supports the event in many ways like booking the venue, planning publicity, and getting donations, said that she continued her THON involvement after graduation for two reasons.

“I stayed involved immediately after THON because it truly was a life-changing experience,” she said, “I was moved by the spirirt of the little children we were helping. They had gone through more in their short lives than anyone should have to endure, and I wanted to make a difference.”
Since her graduation from Penn State, the meaning behind the event has changed for Hainer.
“Now that I’m a mother,” she said, “the fight has taken on a totally different meaning…I want to know that I have done everything possible to further the fight against this horrible disease.”
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For more information about the 4th Annual Night Out to Fight Childhood Cancer, visit their website or send an email to Kelly at kjhainer@gmail.com.