Any additional questions or comments can be directed to our contact page where the executive team will be glad to assist you!
What is THON?
Detailed information on THON and its mission, history, and story can be found on its main website at "www.thon.org/about". In summary, THON is a year-round fundraising effort that culminates in a 46-hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon. As the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, the proceeds of THON benefit children of the Four Diamonds Fund, which seeks to conquer childhood cancer through "superior care, comprehensive support and innovative research" at the Penn State Children's Hospital.
Can I be part of Ohana and a THON committee?
Yes. We are open to anyone inside or outside of THON. However, if you do join Ohana, we still expect you to fundraise for our organization and to be as active as possible. We do NOT limit who we let into Ohana.
What are the dues for?
Because we're an independent organization geared solely towards THON, we need money to help us during fundraising efforts, recruitment campaigns, and other events in the name of our organization. Informally known as a "slush fund" throughout THON, this money helps secure upfront costs or expenditures needed to help the organization grow or to help better accrue money for THON.
Why come to meetings?
The greatest reason to come to meetings is for reliability when fundraising. We advocate safe and responsible fundraising methods, and as such, it is integral to attend meetings to hear first hand details regarding fundraising efforts. All members will be held to certain standards when fundraising, and as a result, members need to hear first hand the details of different fundraising efforts or events.
The meetings are also fun and an important way to get to know fellow Ohana members! We are a large organization, but we will do everything in our power to make sure you have an exciting year, make new friends, and most importantly, make a difference in a child's life. When you attend meetings and events, you will get to know other members so much better, and it will make THON Weekend an amazing experience through which you can celebrate the entire year with every amazing person you met.
What are the time commitments that come with being involved in Ohana?
Our goal is to provide an opportunity for a variety of students with different backgrounds and time commitments to be involved in THON, whether it be for new students who have no other extracurriculars/no job and want to get heavily involved in THON or the senior students who are working on their thesis and trying to find a job/working at a job, but still want to have a part in this amazing experience. Whether you're either extreme or somewhere in the middle, Ohana has a place for you.
You really can put in as much as you want into this organization (i.e. taking on leadership roles, helping plan events, etc) or the minimum asked - attending our weekly meetings and canning/canvassing trips that fit your schedule.
I want to host a fundraising outreach trip. How can I do this?
If you want to host a fundraising outreach trip (regardless of when the trip is), contact Sarah, our Fundraising Chair immediately at EMAIL HERE. They will work with you to help secure the necessary permits required and to plan a trip for Ohana THON. We can always use host houses for fundraising outreach trips!
Somebody (a company or a friend) wants to donate in our name. How do they donate?
Company/Corporate Donations - If a company wants to donate to THON, (or a family member/friend wants to donate through their company), you MUST first get in touch with one of our Fundraising Chair before soliciting any types of donations. This is essential in securing the donation as we must abide by the rules of THON, which are there to maintain good relationships with businesses and to help guarantee companies that are already donating to THON are not continually solicited by others. From their, we will take the proper steps in helping to secure this donation.