What is THON?

The Cumberland Valley High School Dance MaraTHON is a twelve-hour event held in the Dome at Cumberland Valley High School. The event raises money for The Four Diamonds Fund, which aims to conquer childhood cancer. The Four Diamonds Fund aids patients at the Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital by offsetting the cost of treatment that insurance does not cover.  It also pays for expenses that may disrupt the welfare of the child (such as car repairs, rent, or household utilities), supports the medical team that cares for the children, and funds pediatric cancer research.  Since 1972, The Fund has helped more than 2,000 families.  Thanks to THON events, no family has ever been turned away!

Dancers pay to attend this overnight event, where they are entertained by nonstop activities.  There are several bands and a DJ to provide musical entertainment. There are also numerous games and activities, such as a dodgeball tournament and basketball. Highlights of CV THON include the Pep Rally, Techno Rave, and Family Hour, where families of children helped by The Four Diamonds Fund speak to the dancers.

CV THON is one of many "mini-THONs" in the central Pennsylvania area. These smaller Dance MaraTHONs, held by elementary, middle, and high schools, are all modeled after Penn State's IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. Penn State's dance marathon is 48 hours long, and is held at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pennsylvania. Last year, Penn State raised  $7.5 million  for The Four Diamonds Fund! Mini-THONs are smaller versions of Penn State's THON, and do not make their dancers stand the entire time like at Penn State.

Cumberland Valley is in the process of planning its fourth Dance MaraTHON, and is proud to be part of such a wonderful organization. Last year, CV THON raised $55,500, and wants to raise even more this year! Our goal for CV THON 2010 is $60,000. Please help us reach our goal! Every little bit helps!