Watch CBS News

Penn State Students Begin Dancing 2 Nights Away For Charity

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — More than 700 Penn State students hope to dance two nights away, without ever sitting down.

The Penn State Dance Marathon known as "Thon" got underway Friday night at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College.

It won't end until Sunday afternoon, 46 hours later.

Thon is billed as the largest student-run philanthropy.

Since 1977, students have collected more than $100 million in donations to help young cancer patients and their families. The money goes to the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital.

Last year's tally was $13.34 million.

Thousands of students play a role in planning the event and helping the dancers make it through the grueling weekend.

Ahead of Thon, they also go 'canning' across the region, asking motorists to drop donations in large cans.

(© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.