Our THON Chairs
Delta Sigma Pi at Penn State is involved in the largest student-run philanthropy in the world - THON. THON is short for the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance MaraTHON, which is a year long fundraising effort to spread awareness of pediatric cancer and collect funds to be donated to the Four Diamonds at the Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. The Four Diamonds, who provide emotional and financial support to all families who are being treated there, was started by Charles and Irma Millard in honor of their son Chris who passed away from pediatric cancer. Chris wrote a short story about a knight who had to collect Four Diamonds - courage, honesty, wisdom, and strength - to get away from an evil sorcerer, which is where the name of the foundation comes from. THON then accumulates in late February as a no-sitting, no-sleeping 46 hour dance marathon For The Kids! Delta Sigma Pi participates in THON every year, last year raising more than $48,000 and continuing to stand in the top 10 general organizations. We also have two "adopted" families- The Bushes and The Camps, who we love and support more than anything! The concept of THON and the Four Diamonds is forever embedded in our fraternity and we will continue to support all families who fall victim to this disease. We will stand against cancer For The Kids every day so that one day we can dance in celebration! For The Cure!
Donor Relations
Delta Sigma Pi's Donor Alumni Relations Chair is the main liaison between DSP’s THON efforts and outside donors. The Brothers of Delta Sigma Pi are so thankful for all of their donors that help make a difference for children with pediatric cancer. The various ways the Donor Alumni Relations Chair raises funds are by reaching out to family, friends and alumni through THONvelopes, Company Donation Matching Requests, Donation Boxes and DSP’s THONline donation link. Beyond that, the chair keeps Delta Sigma Pi Alumni up to date with the progress of the Brotherhood’s fundraising and about the current events that are happening with our two wonderful THON Families. The main goal for this THON year is to engage as many people as possible and get them involved with DSP THON to fight for a cure.