Here at the end of the semester and academic year, the work for THON 2009 is already underway! With Blue and White weekend this past weekend, you can feel the alumni energy everywhere, and as summer approaches, we're looking for what's next! With your year-round calendar and opportunities with DMAIG, you're never far from the next event or volunteer opportunity. And with the enthusiasm and activity already brewing on campus, there's already plenty to watch from the new overall committee.
Stay in touch with us by reading and writing on dmaig.org, and if you're looking for more information in our newsletters, please write to Daniel Halperin at editor@dmaig.org. Summer activities are still being announced, so check dmaig.org for the latest, and if you're planning an event, stay in touch with Emily Greenberg at regionalevents@dmaig.org.
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In this email:
Root Root Root for the Kids
Express Success
Upcoming Events
In the News
Time to Meet the Overalls
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Root Root Root for the Kids!
Penn State Night at the Ballpark
Thank you to everyone who came out to support Penn State while watching the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Chicago Cubs on April 11, 2008 at Citizens Bank Park. For this incredible event, 1,174 Penn State supporters purchased tickets, raising $11,740 for THON! The game featured plenty of "WE ARE...PENN STATE" chants, the Nittany Lion doing push ups on the dugout, and performances by the Alumni Blue Band and the Penn State Abington Cheerleaders.
The game began with the playing of a THON video on the huge, Phanavision screen and with our special guest, Four Diamonds child, Nick Vicidomini, throwing out the first pitch. Nick's parents, Dennis and Carla, attended the game along with his older brother, Tyler. Prior to the game, the family received a VIP tour of the stadium along with great seats for the game. They were thankful for the opportunity to participate in the event and said that Nick is already planning on his 2017 freshman year at PSU!
A special thank you goes out to Deanna Sabec ('07) from the Phillies for organizing the event and to the local Alumni Chapters for their amazing support!
Express Success
The total is in for this year's THON Express…and the second annual event was a great success! Sixteen runners made the 135-mile relay from the Hershey Medical Center to the Bryce Jordan Center, and in accomplishing the amazing feat they raised over $13,000 for the kids! Carrying messages from families and bringing courage, wisdom, honesty, and strength through the mountains all the way to the THON floor, these runners did an incredible job of spreading the THON spirit! For more information on how you can get involved, visit the Thon Express site .
Upcoming Events
Swinging for the Kids: Penn State Dance Marathon Golf Outing
Brooklake Country Club, Florham Park, NJ
May 12, 10:30 am
On May 12, Penn State Dance Marathon students, in partnership with the Northern New Jersey Alumni Association, will host the fifth annual Swinging for the Kids. The event will be held at the Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, New Jersey. Registration begins at 10:30 am, and the tournament begins at 12:30 pm with a shotgun start. After a wonderful day of Swinging for the Kids, the event will continue with a cocktail hour and silent auction followed by dinner.
For sponsorship opportunities and to register for the tournament, or if you have questions about the event, please contact co-chairperson Adam Duff at adamduff@finsvcs.com or by phone at (814) 404-1606. For more information, visit the event page at dmaig.org.
Pittsburgh THON Night Out
Doc's Place in Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA
May 15, 2008, 6:00 pm
If you are a Penn Stater in the Pittsburgh area with a passion for THON, then consider yourself invited to Pittsburgh's THON Night Out! We are pleased to announce that Doc's Place in Shadyside, at 5447 Walnut Street in the heart of this trendy shopping district, has agreed to host our event on Thursday May 15, 2008 from 6–9 pm. Your donation of $10 at the door will include a free drink ticket, light appetizers and a donation to Penn State Dance Marathon and the Four Diamonds Fund. In addition, for each drink that you purchase, a portion of the price will also be donated to our cause. So gather your friends and get ready to have a fun filled evening, all in the name of conquering childhood cancer, For The Kids!
Any questions, please email thonpittsburgh@gmail.com or contact either Kristen Rimer at (717) 514-7929.
4 Miles for Four Diamonds Walk
Hershey Medical Center
September 21, 1:00 pm
The second annual 4 Miles for Four Diamonds Walk will take place at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center Campus on September 21st, starting at 1:00pm. For sponsorship or registration information, please the Four Diamonds office at (717) 531-6086, and for more information on The Four Diamonds Fund, visit http://www.hmc.psu.edu/fourdiamonds.
In the News
THON stayed in the spotlight with recent coverage of the incredible total on live.psu.edu! With links to photos from the BJC and THON Express, these are links you won't want to miss.
THON raises more than $6.6 million
THON broke all records this year, raising more than $6 million and bringing the total raised since its inception to more than $50 million for the Four Diamonds Fund. The actual total raised was $6,615,318.04. "We went crazy when we saw the total," said dancer Allie DiCastro. "It's such a rewarding experience. It's something I'll have for the rest of my life." Fellow dancer Tina Clavvers agreed. "At times it definitely felt more difficult than we thought. But the last two hours we spent a lot of time with our families.
When I got to dance with my THON child near the end it brought it all home and gave me lots of energy," she said. For a small sampling of photos from Friday, visit http://live.psu.edu/stilllife/1596 online; from Saturday, visit http://live.psu.edu/stilllife/1597 online; and from Sunday, including the total, visit http://live.psu.edu/stilllife/1598 online. For a larger collection of photos covering much of the activity from THON 08, visit http://live.psu.edu/stilllife/1599 online. For photos from THON Express, a
135- mile run that began at 6 p.m. on Feb. 21 at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, and ended on Feb. 22 at the Bryce Jordan Center, visit
http://live.psu.edu/stilllife/1595 online.
Read the full story on Live: http://live.psu.edu/story/28996?nw=44
Also in the news, keep spreading the word about philanthropy, because recent study shows that charity work can really make you healthier.
The benefits of our philanthropic efforts for the kids and the Four Diamonds Families, but as it turns out, you're actually helping your mind and body too!
Meet the Overalls
Get ready…it's time to meet the 2009 overall committee! Check our upcoming emails for more information about these incredible students!
Overall Chairperson Mike Hacke
Communications - Greg Tallman
Donor Relations - Annie Keyes
Entertainment - Tom Chisena
Family Relations - Katie Austin
Finance - Marguerite Moran
Hospitality - Sam Merritt
Merchandise - Alice Endres
Morale - Peter Clark
OPPerations - Joe Borst
Public Relations - Nate Cecco
Rules and Regulations - Caitlin Zankowski
Special Events - Samantha O'Brien
Supply Logistics - Carley Bria
Technology - Ryan Dickson
IFC AVP - Alex Middleton
PHC AVP - Caihlin Durkin
Missed Out?
If you were busy and never read past email updates or you accidentally deleted one, check out recent email updates at here.
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DMAIG promises to promote a continuing relationship between students and alumni who care about THON by providing opportunities for alumni to give time, money and resources to aid in the conquering of childhood cancer.
Daniel Halperin
editor@dmaig.org
Bill O'Tormey
secretary@dmaig.org
Check out - www.dmaig.org - and stay connected to THON as active Alumni!
