Students Will Fundraise for Penn State THON

Aleah Collins and Carly Cirra are raising money to secure a spot in the 2027 THON dance marathon.

Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Philanthropy

Students Will Fundraise for Penn State THON

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Penn State students Aleah Collins and Carly Cirra are organizing fundraising efforts in their hometowns to participate in the 46-hour THON dance marathon held in February 2027. The duo is competing for a dancer slot through the independent lottery process.

Why it matters

This initiative supports Four Diamonds, an organization that has provided financial and emotional support to approximately 5,500 families impacted by childhood cancer. The marathon serves as a critical revenue stream for pediatric cancer research and treatment.

To enter the lottery, independent couples must raise a minimum of $3,500, with an additional lottery ticket granted for every $500 raised. THON has raised over $273 million for Four Diamonds since the event began in 1977.

The players

Aleah Collins

She is a Penn State student from Greensburg Salem participating in independent fundraising for THON.

Carly Cirra

She is a Penn State student from South Fayette who is partnering in the effort to enter the THON dancer lottery.

Four Diamonds

This organization funds childhood cancer treatment and research for families at Penn State Health Children Hospital.

The details

Students gain entry to the 46-hour event either as organizational representatives or via the independent dancer couple lottery. Collins and Cirra plan to host events in Greensburg Salem and South Fayette during the upcoming holiday breaks to maximize their fundraising.

1977: THON fundraising began.
February 2027: The THON dance marathon weekend will take place.
Thanksgiving break: The students plan to host hometown fundraisers.
Christmas break: The students plan to host additional hometown fundraisers.

Market Landscape

This effort follows the established funding pattern set by the Four Diamonds childhood cancer support program. The student-led campaign highlights the competitive nature of securing spots in large-scale philanthropic collegiate events.

The fundraising efforts demonstrate how student-led initiatives drive significant contributions to large-scale healthcare charities. Local residents in Greensburg Salem and South Fayette may encounter these events as the students work toward their $3,500 entry goal.

The takeaway

Student fundraisers often rely on holiday breaks to maximize community involvement and meet high financial thresholds. Prospective participants must effectively leverage personal networks to qualify for competitive charity events.