THON 2009!!!

Every year in mid-February, I am left in awe of what college students with a mindset can do. I know this isn't wedding related, but this is something that always knocks me out of my socks. Students at Penn State are given the opportunity to give back, by giving up weekends, beer money, and time. It always amazes me what they can do!

THON is the largest philanthropic effort by a college and has been for many years. Students have designated weekends where they spread throughout the Northeast, holding cans, and asking anyone who passes for a donation "For kids with cancer." On weekends that they're not canning, they are calling corporations and sending letters. It is through this effort that they were able to raise $7,490,133.87 in the past year, which is up nearly $.7M from last year's efforts.

So where does the money go? It is donated to the Four Diamonds Fund, which operates out of Hershey Medical Center in Pennsylvania. The Four Diamonds Fund supports the families of children with cancer who walk through the doors of Hershey Medical Center. If their insurance doesn't cover the full amount of the medical bills, Four Diamonds covers the cost.

This past weekend, I was able to watch 700 students stand for 46 hours straight, without sleep, without sitting. They stood there "For The Kids." It's a pretty amazing sight within a time of recession that people were willing to put their hands in their pockets and donate. I am still in awe and get choked up when I think about it.