“It changes your perspective on things,” Danny Hipschman, a Lambda Chi Alpha Brother at Penn State, recounted about his experience at THON.
THON is a student-run philanthropy at Pennsylvania State University committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Each year, more than 16,500 student volunteers participate in the year-long fundraising efforts to benefit their sole beneficiary, Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.
THON comes with a lot of planning an participation as they start fundraising the first week of school. Participation and motivation might be hard to come by for some, but the Brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha have it down.
“It’s very easy to motivate people to participate because it’s such a good cause,” Hipschman said.
Several fundraisers and events are planned throughout the year with Brothers participating in any way they can. Some volunteer while others choose to fundraise through friends and family using Donor Drive, an online fundraising platform. No matter the way, the Brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha certainly make an impact in the community. This past year alone, they raised almost $135,000 with their Greek partner.
The year-long fundraising efforts round out with a weekend full of events and a dance marathon, typically in February.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Hipschman said.
In prior years, Hipschman attended the dance marathon, supporting his Brothers who were on the floor and fundraising year-round like the rest. This year, Hipschman is a THON co-chair for Lambda Chi Alpha and gets the special privilege to be on the floor at the Bryce Jordan Center, Penn State’s basketball arena, standing for the full 46 hours.
In total, THON has raised $200 million, helping 4,000 families. The philanthropy raised over $15 million last year. Hipschman and his Brothers hope to help exceed that number and continue to raise more and more each year.
To learn more about THON, go to www.thon.org.
If you would like to make a donation to the Penn State Lambda Chi Alpha’s page, click here.
