
It’s almost time for THON™! If you can’t attend this unique and exciting event in person, you can still play an important role by supporting the World Campus for THON student organization and cheering on our Penn State World Campus THON dancers.
What is THON?
Officially known as the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, THON focuses on raising money for childhood cancer research and is the largest student-run philanthropy initiative in the world. Fundraising and awareness activities happen all year round, but the main event is a 46-hour, nonstop dance marathon held every February.
This year, THON will be held on the weekend of February 21.
How You Can Support THON
This year, the World Campus for THON organization has four dancers participating in the event. They are aiming to exceed the fundraising efforts of previous campaigns, and you can help them reach that goal by making a donation online.
Make a donation to support World Campus for THON
Meet the 2025 World Campus THON Dancers
Angela Gulotta
Quote that inspires you: “No matter how you feel…get up, dress up, show up, and never give up.”
Why do you want to dance? I want to dance to bring attention to childhood cancer and the pain and suffering these children and their families endure. People get caught up in a lot of nonsense these days, and it’s important to redirect that attention on things that really matter.
Describe your excitement for THON weekend: I have never been more excited or more terrified in my entire life. I have been through many crazy, difficult moments in life, but I never planned them in advance. Fear and difficulty aside, I am excited to experience THON as a dancer and to share that moment with hundreds of people.
Goal as a THON dancer: As a 35-year-old participant, my main goal is to do my best to stay healthy and make it through. In addition to that, I hope to enjoy the experience and to build some joyful memories of my own. It’s pretty cool that non-traditional students get to be part of this Penn State tradition, as well.
Christopher Donahue
Quote that inspires you: “Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time.” – Barack Obama
Why do you want to dance? Dancing for THON brings me closer to a cause that serves so many children that suffer with pediatric cancer. In support of this mission, having the honor to join dancers half my age, and share the common vision of hope, is inspiring.
Describe your excitement for THON weekend: Hey, I’m an old guy, but so young at heart. I’m so excited to participate in THON weekend, meet some of my University Park brethren, and unite in the common cause we share. I’m sharing my preparation experience on our organization’s website. My hope is that my journey, from Alaska, inspires any action that can be undertaken, whether that’s to give financially or to give in kind.
Goal as a THON dancer: I was so inspired by Braden’s story that I joined World Campus for THON in the fall of the next year, at a time when I felt that I could contribute most meaningfully before graduation. My goal is to meet Braden and thank him for his resiliency and inspiration. Today, even after 44 years of life, when I encounter adversity, I think of his story: overcoming unthinkable odds to live a thankful life and a humble life.
Maggie Webb
Quote that inspires you: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” — The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
Why do you want to dance? I THON for the Goras, for social workers, and for the cure. I am a graduate student at Penn State World Campus, and I have actively participated in THON since my freshman year of undergrad at Penn State University Park. I am currently the Donor Chair for World Campus Benefitting THON. I am responsible for getting Donor Drives ready, helping out other chairs, and raising money for THON. Raising money toward THON is amazing because I know what the cost of cancer is. It also helps that I am competitive. I have beaten my own personal fundraising every year, and as an active member of the organization, I have been a part of beating the year prior total. I have also had the chance to represent my past organization, Ayuda, and dance at THON 2024.
Describe your excitement for THON weekend: Perfect ending. This will be my last event as a student at Penn State. To be able to dance and represent World Campus will be a perfect end to my story as a Penn State student. THON has been a part of my academic life for the past five years.
Goal as a THON dancer: Overall, to make it to the end and raise as much as we can. I also want to be able to help others as much as possible, since I have some experience under me.
As someone who has already been a dancer once before, what advice would you share with others interested in dancing? Find what works for you. For myself, it was keeping busy. I brought little LEGO sets to do, which kept me busy. Having people to constantly talk to was great for me as I love talking and meeting new people. Some people thought ice baths were the best thing ever, but I thought they were painful.
Robert Billings
Quote that inspires you: “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” — Aesop. This is one of my favorite quotes and has been for a long time. My family, especially my dad, has always worked to ensure that I treat other people how I want to be treated and that I act out of kindness, regardless of the situation.
Why do you want to dance? I want to dance to represent my organization, along with Penn State. THON is personal to me because of how pediatric cancer affects families, along with communities, so this is my chance to stand for those who can’t, while also giving back. Penn State has given so much to me. It’s more than just a school and a community, so I want to help my community give back.
Describe your excitement for THON weekend: Words cannot describe how excited I am for THON weekend. There is nothing more energetic, unifying, and unyielding than THON weekend. I’m excited to be able to come together with thousands of like-minded people for a cause that we all believe in, to celebrate and support the Four Diamonds families.
Goal as a THON dancer: My goal as a THON dancer is to be a source of energy and positivity for those around me. I want to be able to say that I gave it my all throughout the entire weekend, helping my peers and the people supporting us to remain energetic, helping us to honor the families that we stand for and know that we are there for them in the same way that they are there for us.
Send Mail to Our THON Dancers
Can’t make it out for THON weekend? You can still show your support for our World Campus dancers as they battle to stay on their feet for 46 hours. Send a card or letter to the following address with a motivating message:
Penn State Dance Marathon (Mail Call)
Attn: [Dancer Name & Dancer’s Number] (i.e., Robert Billings 144B)
227D Hetzel Union Building
University Park, PA 16802
Dancer Names and Numbers:
- Angela Gulotta 143A
- Magdalene Webb 143B
- Christopher Donahue 144A
- Robert Billings 144B
Messages can also be sent via email to studentaffairs@worldcampus.psu.edu until February 20. Please reference THON Dancer Mail in the subject line.
Related Content:
- Student organizations — find out how you can get involved with student organizations at World Campus
- Student Leader Spotlight: Lauren Wellar — meet Lauren Wellar, who has participated in many student leadership roles, including serving as the PR Chair for World Campus for THON