Pennsylvania HR 445: A Resolution designating April 8, 2026, as "The Pennsylvania State University IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) Day" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 3021
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 445
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY BENNINGHOFF, ANDERSON, ARMANINI, BOROWSKI, CAUSER,
CONKLIN, CUTLER, DEASY, FLEMING, FLICK, GILLEN, GREINER,
GUENST, HADDOCK, HAMM, HEFFLEY, KEPHART, KRUPA, MADSEN,
MARCELL, MENTZER, MOUL, NEILSON, PICKETT, PUGH, RIVERA, ROWE,
SCHEUREN, SHAFFER, STAMBAUGH, STENDER, TWARDZIK, VITALI,
WARREN, WATRO AND WENTLING, MARCH 17, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, RECREATION AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT, MARCH 18, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Designating April 8, 2026, as "The Pennsylvania State University
IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) Day" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, THON is the commonly used name for The Pennsylvania
State University Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance
Marathon, the largest student-run philanthropy event in the
world; and
WHEREAS, THON is a yearlong fundraising and awareness
campaign to fight pediatric cancer, sustained by more than
16,500 volunteers who donate more than 5 million hours of their
own time, that culminates in a 46-hour dance marathon during
which dancers are required to be continuously moving and are not
permitted to sit or sleep; and
WHEREAS, In 1977, THON partnered with Four Diamonds at Penn
State Health Golisano Children's Hospital and selected Four
Diamonds as the sole beneficiary of THON's fundraising efforts;
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and
WHEREAS, Four Diamonds offsets costs of treatment not covered
by insurance, including medical and emotional support, and
supports the medical team that cares for children; and
WHEREAS, Four Diamonds funds pediatric cancer research
through start-up grants and the Four Diamonds Pediatric Cancer
Research Center and provides direct support to children with
cancer and their families; and
WHEREAS, Since 1977, THON has raised more than $200 million
to provide emotional and financial support to children,
families, researchers and staff associated with Four Diamonds;
and
WHEREAS, THON 2026, "Love Leads Forward," revealed a total
fundraising amount of $18,841,726.53, breaking THON's yearly
record for the fifth consecutive year; and
WHEREAS, THON has inspired similar events and organizations
across the United States, including at high schools and
institutions of higher education, and continues to encourage
students throughout the nation to volunteer and remain involved
in charitable causes in their communities; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, THON has supported more than
4,000 children and families impacted by childhood cancer and
continues to enable research and improve treatments, cures and
benefits for children with cancer; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate April
8, 2026, as "The Pennsylvania State University IFC/Panhellenic
Dance Marathon (THON) Day" in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize THON
for raising more than $18 million for Four Diamonds at Penn
State Health Golisano Children's Hospital to help fight
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pediatric cancer; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives acknowledge The
Pennsylvania State University students, volunteers and
supporting organizations for their hard work in planning and
conducting THON.
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