THON organizers reveal record total for 2023

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WJAC) — After 46 hours of non-stop dancing and other festivities at the Bryce Jordan Center this weekend, organizers of Penn State's THON have revealed this year's total amount raised in order to help fight childhood cancer was yet another record.

Volunteers revealed Sunday afternoon that the total raised this year is over $15 million.

Last year, THON raised $13.7 million. But next year's THON now has a new record to beat: $15,006,132.46.

THON is a student-run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. The money raised goes to Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children's Hospital.

After the big reveal, people throughout the nearly full Bryce Jordan Center could be seen crying, hugging, laughing, and cheering as they took in the moment and how far they've accomplished. To accomplish that record-breaking goal, participants had to dance all weekend long.

MORE | 'High energy all around' on THON Day 2 as dance marathon enters home stretch

6 News' Douglas Braff on Sunday spoke with volunteers who work with the dancers during the final stretch, to gauge how they were feeling.

To dance for 46 hours — without sitting or sleeping — is no easy task. In fact, it’s not meant to be easy.

In the final hours of the dance marathon, midday Sunday, there was a weariness among those gathered inside the Bryce Jordan Center. But, in stark contrast: excitement, hope, and a sense of duty kept the energy high; on top of the thumping music, dance numbers, and performances.

When asked what energy level she was at, THON Dancer Relations Committee member Jillian Henok told 6 News: "Oh, we're set [at] a hundred, baby. We stop, drop, we don't roll. We— we just keep going."

RELATED | THON 2023 rocks in its first day

"Tired, obviously, but I'm super excited to be here," THON Donor and Alumni Relations Committee member Ryan Oliver replied. "I'm a freshman, so it's my first THON. So, I'm, like, really milking all of it."

As dancers entered the home stretch, motivation was key.

Henok saying, she and her fellow committee member Zach Zielinski would make "sure our dancers are stretched, making sure: we are still on the same level, we know where they're at, everyone's happy-go-lucky."

It was a team effort where everybody lifted each other up.

"Walking around, talking to people, dancing, just trying to enjoy the moment," is what Oliver said he would do to stay motivated. "I'm lucky to be here, so it's— it's hard not to enjoy it."

It was hard not to get wrapped up in the intensity of it all, Henok said, "I've seen a few dancers go down. A lot of emotions. ... Even the music coming in, even gets me moved."

However, remembering that it's "For The Kids" drove the dancers to the finish line.

"I think we took it much as a privilege, just having that time to be able to sleep and have our own time, dedicating it to such a great cause," Henok emphasized.

She added: "Oh, we're all gonna sleep like babies tonight!"

A sense of duty kept many going; the knowledge that they were helping to lift up families fighting cancer and to fund the research that will find a cure someday.

"We're standing for the people that can't," Oliver pointed out. "So, the whole point is for us to push ourselves to work for something that is bigger than ourselves. So, I think it's an honor to be here, to be able to do that."

It's safe to say many in Happy Valley will have a restful — and well-earned — sleep on Sunday night.

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