Penn State THON 2026 delivered a record-breaking fundraising total of $18,841,726.53 for Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital, surpassing last year’s mark by more than $1.1 million.
The announcement came Sunday afternoon at the Bryce Jordan Center, capping 46 hours in which more than 700 student dancers stood and moved without sleep from 6 p.m. Friday through 4 p.m. Sunday. As pink and gold confetti fell, students and families celebrated the new high-water mark for the world’s largest student-run philanthropy.
The 2026 total eclipsed the 2025 record of $17,737,040.93 and adds to a cumulative fundraising effort that has exceeded $272 million since THON’s founding in 1977. Proceeds support pediatric cancer research and provide financial and emotional assistance to children and families battling childhood cancer through Four Diamonds.
Throughout the weekend, the Bryce Jordan Center transformed into a round-the-clock showcase of performances, family testimonials and student spirit. Indie pop band Fitz and the Tantrums headlined the Friday night national act, energizing the crowd with a concert that has become a staple of THON Weekend.
The annual Pep Rally again featured Penn State student-athletes competing in dance routines and spirited performances, with the men’s soccer team taking top honors this year. Alumni Juwan Johnson and Chanen Johnson returned to emcee the rally, adding to the event’s celebratory tone.
Beyond the spectacle, THON remains rooted in its year-round mission. Thousands of student volunteers work throughout the academic year to raise funds and support partner families, culminating in the February dance marathon. The Family Relations Committee and other student groups provide ongoing assistance to ensure families feel supported long after THON Weekend ends.
University officials and organizers have long described THON as a defining part of Penn State’s culture, blending philanthropy, endurance and community. What began nearly five decades ago as a modest dance marathon has grown into a national model for student-led fundraising, drawing attention from colleges across the country.
Source: psu.edu