Frequently Asked Questions - Committee
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children? Do you want to be a part of the largest student-run philanthropy in the world? Do you want to play an active role in ensuring the success of THON? If so, then join the thousands of other Penn State students on one of the many THON committees.
Committee members play a key role in helping THON fulfill its mission of conquering pediatric cancer. As a committee member, you can expect to plan for and attend THON events, be a part of a team that is dedicated to making THON happen, and have a great time! Committee member support is crucial to THON’s success.
Committee Member applications are accepted early in September each year. The application can be reached here.
Listed below are the committees that need your help this year. You can learn more about what each committee does by clicking on them!
Committee Color: Kelly Green
Our Mission:
The mission of the Communications Committee is to serveas the main liaison to allTHON volunteers within the Penn State community. By building strong relationships, we work to educate and empower the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of our University as to how they can make a greater impact in the fight to cure pediatric cancer. The hundreds of student organizations that support THON rely on Communications to give them the right information and tools they need to accomplish their goals for the year.
Alumni Relations Committee (30):
Alumni Relations will serve the largest Alumni base in the country by keeping them updated on THON news and events. From assisting the Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group (DMAIG) in promoting regional events, to working with the PSU Alumni Association to spread awareness about pediatric cancer, this Committee plays a huge role in the success of THON 2011!
Alumni Relations will serve the largest Alumni base in the country by keeping them updated on THON news and events. From assisting the Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group (DMAIG) in promoting regional events, to working with the PSU Alumni Association to spread awareness about pediatric cancer, this Committee plays a huge role in the success of THON 2011!
Campus Outreach – Students Committee (30):
This Committee will spread information about THON, opportunities to get involved, and THON's events to Penn State students through various outlets. Closer to THON Weekend, this Committee will work hard to fill the Bryce Jordan Center!
This Committee will spread information about THON, opportunities to get involved, and THON's events to Penn State students through various outlets. Closer to THON Weekend, this Committee will work hard to fill the Bryce Jordan Center!
Campus Outreach – Faculty Committee (30):
This Committee will work with their Captains to help spread awareness about pediatric cancer and THON to the faculty and staff at Penn State. Throughout the year, they hold several events including the Faculty/Staff Luncheon to get faculty and staff more involved. They also organize a Faculty/Staff appreciation event THON weekend.
This Committee will work with their Captains to help spread awareness about pediatric cancer and THON to the faculty and staff at Penn State. Throughout the year, they hold several events including the Faculty/Staff Luncheon to get faculty and staff more involved. They also organize a Faculty/Staff appreciation event THON weekend.
CCSG Initiative (30):
This Committee will work to spread the word of THON to all of the Commonwealth campuses by providing them with the tools and information they need to fundraise! They also help organize the CCSG Dancer Retreat in February and All-U-Hour THON Weekend.
This Committee will work to spread the word of THON to all of the Commonwealth campuses by providing them with the tools and information they need to fundraise! They also help organize the CCSG Dancer Retreat in February and All-U-Hour THON Weekend.
Mini-THON & Dance Marathon Initiative (30):
This Committee will work with the Mini-THON program at Hershey Medical Center to assist all of the elementary, middle, and high schools that have their own Mini-THON’s. They will help them to create their own THON experience by coming up with new creative ideas and motivating them throughout the year! This Committee will also work to guide and inspire other Dance Marathons throughout the country.
This Committee will work with the Mini-THON program at Hershey Medical Center to assist all of the elementary, middle, and high schools that have their own Mini-THON’s. They will help them to create their own THON experience by coming up with new creative ideas and motivating them throughout the year! This Committee will also work to guide and inspire other Dance Marathons throughout the country.
Special Projects (30):
Special Projects will work to create, plan, and implement special projects for THON throughout the year. This includes organizing and putting on the Independent Dancer Diamond Pursuit competition. In the spring, this Committee is crucial in working to recruit donors for the THON Blood Drives and spreading THON awareness.
Special Projects will work to create, plan, and implement special projects for THON throughout the year. This includes organizing and putting on the Independent Dancer Diamond Pursuit competition. In the spring, this Committee is crucial in working to recruit donors for the THON Blood Drives and spreading THON awareness.
**Communications Committee members are eligible to dance THON Weekend if given the opportunity.
Please contact Charlotte Kohl at communications@THON.org if you have any questions. Thank you!
Committee Color: Royal Blue
Our Mission:
The mission of the Donor and Alumni Relations Committee is to empower, motivate, and educate the THON community to increase awareness of pediatric cancer and to fundraise effectively. It is our goal to help THON continue its monetary and emotional contribution to the Four Diamonds Fund by maintaining and building relationships with THON’s alumni, individual, small business, corporate, and foundation donors.
Donor & Alumni Relations Committee (80):
A Donor & Alumni Relations Committee member will be an integral part of the donor & alumni experience. Committee members will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with the Benefiting Captains to put together thank you packages that for donors or with the Individual Donor & Alumni Captains to help with the THONvelope Campaign. Throughout the year, Donor & Alumni Relations Committees will attend regular meetings. Committee members will also have THON Weekend duties such as helping with donor tours and donor events as well as a chance to spend time on the floor. Each and every member of Donor & Alumni Relations will play a vital role in making THON a success! No experience necessary!
**Donor & Alumni Relations Committee members are eligible to dance THON weekend if given the opportunity.
Please contact Anuj Upadhyay at Donor.Alumni.Relations@THON.org if you have any questions. Thank you!
Committee Color: Light Pink
Our Mission:
The mission of the Merchandise Committee is to support the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon by spreading awareness and providing knowledge of THON and pediatric cancer through the sale of quality products. The Merchandise Committee is also committed to protecting the name of THON while contributing to the financial and emotional efforts For The Kids and the Four Diamonds Fund.
Distribution Committee (15):
The Distribution Committee will maintain our mission by working with other Committee members and Captains to promote our products at THON Store sales throughout the year and during THON Weekend. This Committee will also assist in the sorting and distribution of 100 Days t-shirts and THON Weekend on-duty shirts for each THON committee. Committee members will be asked to attend committee meetings and may take part in fun team building activities outside of the meeting room. No experience necessary!
The Distribution Committee will maintain our mission by working with other Committee members and Captains to promote our products at THON Store sales throughout the year and during THON Weekend. This Committee will also assist in the sorting and distribution of 100 Days t-shirts and THON Weekend on-duty shirts for each THON committee. Committee members will be asked to attend committee meetings and may take part in fun team building activities outside of the meeting room. No experience necessary!
Marketing Committee (15):
The Marketing Committee will be THON Store’s team for spreading awareness about our products, sales, pediatric cancer, The Four Diamonds Fund, and THON. This committee will conduct many unique marketing campaigns around State College and beyond! These captains will also work with other Committee members and Captains to promote our products at THON Store sales throughout the year and during THON Weekend. Committee members will be asked to attend committee meetings and may take part in fun team building activities outside of the meeting room. Applicants should exhibit spontaneity, creativity and an outgoing personality.
**Merchandise Committee members are not eligible to dance THON weekend.
The Marketing Committee will be THON Store’s team for spreading awareness about our products, sales, pediatric cancer, The Four Diamonds Fund, and THON. This committee will conduct many unique marketing campaigns around State College and beyond! These captains will also work with other Committee members and Captains to promote our products at THON Store sales throughout the year and during THON Weekend. Committee members will be asked to attend committee meetings and may take part in fun team building activities outside of the meeting room. Applicants should exhibit spontaneity, creativity and an outgoing personality.
**Merchandise Committee members are not eligible to dance THON weekend.
Please contact Jackie Swerdon at merchandise@thon.org if you have any questions. Thank you!
Committee Color: Hot Pink
Our Mission:
The Hospitality Committee strives to fuel THON through exceptional service and support for the families, dancers, and volunteers. We interact with the community and sponsors to strengthen THON by procuring donations for THON events throughout the year. Hospitality works to represent THON at all times with enthusiasm, passion, and commitment For The Kids!
Hospitality Committee Members (220):
Hospitality Committees are a vital part of THON. Pre-THON responsibilities include working the water stations during the THON5K, creating decorations for the Hospitality area of the Family Carnival, selling candy and motivating others at 100 Days ‘til THON, working Concessions at the THON basketball games, and participating in various committee events. These events include PinkShirtOrientation, Committee Competition, Happy HOSidays, Promotions, and the ‘Race for the Chug’ Water Social Competition. During THON Weekend, committees help set up by decorating, organizing, and preparing all Hospitality areas. Along with serving all meals to the dancers and families, the committees will also maintain the Captain and Family Lounges. Committee Members are in charge of preparing and maintaining the Hospitality serving areas for every meal and snack that is served, and helping keep HOS storage organized and functional. Committees also run the Snack Shack to provide dancers with food at all times, and assist the Bryce Jordan Center at various Concessions stands during THON Weekend.
Hospitality Committees are a vital part of THON. Pre-THON responsibilities include working the water stations during the THON5K, creating decorations for the Hospitality area of the Family Carnival, selling candy and motivating others at 100 Days ‘til THON, working Concessions at the THON basketball games, and participating in various committee events. These events include PinkShirtOrientation, Committee Competition, Happy HOSidays, Promotions, and the ‘Race for the Chug’ Water Social Competition. During THON Weekend, committees help set up by decorating, organizing, and preparing all Hospitality areas. Along with serving all meals to the dancers and families, the committees will also maintain the Captain and Family Lounges. Committee Members are in charge of preparing and maintaining the Hospitality serving areas for every meal and snack that is served, and helping keep HOS storage organized and functional. Committees also run the Snack Shack to provide dancers with food at all times, and assist the Bryce Jordan Center at various Concessions stands during THON Weekend.
**Hospitality Committee members are not eligible to dance THON Weekend.
Please contact Tommy Scharnitz at hospitality@THON.org if you have any questions. Thank you!
Committee Color: Dark Green
Our Mission:
The mission of the Finance Committee is to attain accurate totals of all monetary donations collected on behalf of THON. It is the responsibility of the Finance Committee to support the students and organizations of Penn State in both their fundraising efforts and the tracking of their monetary totals. Finance is also responsible for finalizing the THON Weekend total: a sum of the THON community’s year-long effort to raise money in support of the children, families, researchers, and staff of the Four Diamonds and the fight against pediatric cancer.
Finance Committee Members (150):
A Finance Committee member will work to uphold our mission by working with Captains to track THON donations throughout the year. These Committees will sort and count the money that is raised during each of the four canning weekends at Canning Drop Off. They will also handle checks and pledges that are donated to THON and assist the Captains in putting this information into the THON database system. All Committee members will be asked to attend Committee meetings and will have opportunity to partake in additional THON and team building activities throughout the year. No experience necessary!
**Finance Committee members are eligible to dance THON Weekend if given the opportunity.
Please contact Vicki Marone at Finance@THON.org if you have any questions. Thank you!
Committee Color: Yellow
Our Mission:
The Mission of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon Morale Committee is to provide physical and emotional support for the dancers THON Weekend. The Morale Committee also extends its energy and extroversion to the THON Community throughout the entire year.
Morale Committee Members (700)
For the entire year, the 20 Captains and the 700 members of the Morale Committee are responsible for planning for the health, safety, and fun of all 700 dancers throughout THON Weekend. Each week, you’ll have a meeting with your team that you will be expected to attend, where you’ll help in the brainstorming of ideas for a variety of events during THON Weekend. Throughout the year, the Morale Committee will also attend various events such as the THON 5k and 100 Days ‘til THON to support and energize all of THON’s volunteers.
As THON Weekend approaches, Moralers help create the arts and crafts that will decorate the BJC and be used in the various events planned to make the weekend a blast for the Dancers. Finally, come THON Weekend, each Moraler is paired with a dancer who they will support both physically and emotionally throughout the weekend, ensuring that they accomplish the difficult task of dancing in THON. Morale is there For The Dancers so they can be there For The Kids!
**Morale Committee Members are not eligible to dance THON weekend.
Please contact Genifer Goldsmith at Morale@thon.org if you have any questions. Thank you!
Committee Color: Navy Blue
Our Mission:
The mission of OPPerations is to create and maintain a safe and exciting environment for the Four Diamonds families and the entire THON community. Through great dedication, OPPerations constructs dreams and repairs lives to ensure the future of THON.
OPPerations Committee members (650):
OPPerations is the backbone of THON. OPP often works behind the scenes, but the Blue Shirts know what just happens to make all of THON tick. Our tasks as OPPerations in the months prior to THON are done to prepare for and then to keep the event running smoothly and safely for the whole weekend. OPP's most important task is transforming the BJC into the magic of THON. During THON Weekend, OPP is responsible for Slides of Strength and keeping the BJC in working condition for the families, dancers and spectators. When THON ends, OPPerations starts its last mission: Tear-Down. We work into the night to return the BJC to its old self, and pack away THON for another 362 days.
**OPPerations Committee Members are not eligible to dance THON Weekend.
Please contact Will Martin at OPPerations@THON.org if you have any questions. Thank you!
Committee Color: Purple
Our Mission:
The mission of the Public Relations Committee is to conquer pediatric cancer by serving as the voice of THON to the Penn State Community and beyond. This Committee strives to educate and inform the public about pediatric cancer, The Four Diamonds Fund, and the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.
Event Management Committee (20)
The Event Management Committee helps to plan and execute several exciting THON events including, but not limited to 100 Days ‘til THON and the Mr. and Mrs. THON Pageant. Additionally, this Committee will help to manage media outlets THON Weekend. Applicants should be creative, dedicated and hard working in order to help make all events run smoothly.
Photography Committee (16)
The Photography Committee is responsible for capturing and preserving the memories that will tell the story of the upcoming THON season. As a result, it is important for Committee Members to be very familiar with using a digital camera (DSLR is preferred) and knowing some basic knowledge about editing software, especially Photoshop. Experience as a photographer will be extremely helpful. Creativity is also important, as these Committee Members will be working with shot lists and concepts to secure exceptional images.
**Photography Committee Members are not eligible to dance THON Weekend.
Street Teams (36)
The Street Teams Committee helps to fulfill the mission of the Public Relations Committee by being a connection between THON and the public. Committee Members will play an integral role in spreading awareness about pediatric cancer, The Four Diamonds Fund, and THON. This Committee is responsible for utilizing guerilla or nontraditional marketing campaigns and other unique marketing strategies to promote THON events around State College and beyond. Applicants should exhibit spontaneity, creativity, and an outgoing personality.
Please contact Kirsten Quisenberry at public.relations@thon.org with questions. Thank you!
Committee Color: Maroon
Our Mission:
The mission of the Special Events Committee is to inspire, inform, and unite the THON community by developing and continuing a variety of events to spread the spirit and mission of THON year-round. Special Events is committed to creating year-round support and awareness for the children, families, researchers and staff of the Four Diamonds Fund as well as the entire THON community. For The Kids!
Special Events Committee Members (120):
A Special Events Committee member will maintain our mission through working with others to create inspirational and creative decorations for the THON 5K and Family Carnival. This member may also help in creating and setting up the annual
**Special Events Committee Members are eligible to dance THON weekend if given the opportunity.
Please Contact Becky Mayes at Special.Events@THON.org if you have any questions. Thank you!
Committee Color: Red
Our Mission:
Rules & Regulations is committed to providing safety and security to the families and kids by creating an infrastructure of love and support. The leaders in red will wholeheartedly care for the cause with the determination necessary to protect the integrity of and ensure the future of THON.
Rules and Regulations Committee Members :
A Rules and Regulations Committee member will maintain our mission through ensuring the safety of THON families, dancers, and spectators. This member may either be placed on a Security Committee or Pass Team Committee. Rules and Regulations Committee members are one of the only committees that are allowed in every area of the BJC. Committee members will be asked to attend committee meetings and events and may take part in fun team-building activities outside of the meeting room. No experience necessary!
**Rules and Regulations Committee members are not eligible to dance THON Weekend.
Please contact Mairead Hanna at rules.regulations@THON.org with questions. Thank you!
Committee Color: Orange
Our Mission:
The mission of the Entertainment Committee is to provide and ensure the highest level of excitement, quality, and safety in all music, productions, and live events during THON Weekend and at every THON event and production throughout the year.
Entertainment Committee Members (10):
An Entertainment Committee member will have the amazing opportunity to capture the spirit of THON. The Entertainment Committee will be responsible for filming THON events throughout the year to capture all aspects of the THON season, the selfless effort of all involved, and the Penn State community. The Entertainment Committee will also be in charge of filming events throughout THON Weekend. Committee members will work closely with other committees to ensure the highest quality of entertainment in all videos produced. Creativity, passion, and dedication are a must. Committee members must have a working knowledge of all aspects of production and be familiar with Final Cut.
**Entertainment Committee members are not eligible to dance THON Weekend.
Please contact Kinjal Mathur at Entertainment@thon.org if you have any questions. Thank you!
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