Alpha Epsilon Delta proudly supports Penn State’s Dance Marathon (THON™) as a fundraising organization, supporter of THON’s mission and through the Adopt-A-Family program that supports families impacted by childhood cancer. THON aims to support families in the Penn State/Hershey community both financially and emotionally through the Four Diamonds Foundation – an organization started by a family who lost their child to cancer to help families in similar situations – through a year-long fundraising effort which culminates in a 46-hour no sitting, no standing dance marathon in State College as the largest student-run philanthropy in the world takes over the Bryce Jordan Center. AED has raised over $80,000 since we began fundraising through our incredible online donors, dedicated student-supporters, and countless fundraisers like our ribbon sales, pie an executive board member night, and game nights. We would not be able to have such a profound impact on the THON community without every member of our organization.

 

Through THON’s Adopt-A-Family Program, AED has built relationships with two Four Diamonds families: The Mary Torres Family and Clara Shepps family. AED met Mary Torres over a decade ago, and we now love to welcome her to State College for her signature Crochet Nights when she teaches us basic crochet. The Clara Shepps family was welcomed into AED’s family more recently, and Clara and her sister Scarlett bring the energy every time we are together. While distance is a barrier to in-person meet-ups right now, AED treasures our time on Zoom chatting and playing games like Jeopardy with the Shepps. Keep an eye on the stage during the Kids Talent Show THON Weekend for Clara and Scarlett; you can often find them tumbling around the stage as they show off their gymnastics skills! We are so grateful to know the Torres and Shepps families and they are our constant reminders of why we dance, stand, and fight for a cure for childhood cancers.

 

If you are interested in becoming a donor, the “Donate” button above will lead you to our online fundraising platform where you can also read more about our mission. For monthly updates on AED’s THON fundraising efforts, you can email alphaepsilondeltaig@gmail.com to request to be added to the monthly newsletter. We thank you for learning more about THON’s mission and how AED aims to support THON all year long.

 

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