THON Weekend 2025 dates revealed, Penn State kicks off ‘Ignite the Fight’ fundraising

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State THON™, renowned as the world’s largest student-run philanthropy, has officially announced the dates for THON Weekend 2025 and launched its annual “Ignite the Fight” campaign, marking the beginning of the fundraising window for the 2025 school year.

This much-anticipated event will be held from February 21-23, 2025, at the Bryce Jordan Center, where participants will engage in a 46-hour no sleeping, no sitting dance marathon to support children and families affected by childhood cancer.

THON raised over $16.9 million—a world-breaking record—in 2024 for its sole beneficiary, Four Diamonds.

Four Diamonds’ mission is to conquer childhood cancer, and has supported over 4,700 childhood cancer patients and families at Penn State Health Children.

The organization provides full medical bill coverage and funds pioneering research in pediatric cancer at Penn State Health Children's Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine. For more information, visit FourDiamonds.org.

Now, “Ignite the Fight” campaign is the newest campaign that serves as a celebration of the THON community’s yearlong efforts.

This campaign, which spans throughout the month of July, features a series of engaging fundraising challenges and initiatives designed to mobilize support and raise awareness.

Throughout July, THON will roll out multiple fundraising activities on its @pennstatethon Instagram account, inviting supporters to participate in lotteries and credit an organization or independent dancer couple of their choice.

THON will be hosting several interactive activities throughout July, including Ignite the Fight Social Media Challenge, Matching, Alternative Fundraiser Challenge and Pass the Spark.

The Ignite the Fight Social Media Challenge is the first challenge to occur, starting on July 1. Followers are encouraged to engage with the @pennstatethon Instagram post and follow the instructions in the caption for a chance to enter a lottery and win crediting funds.

The DonorDrive Drive App Challenge starts from July 2-12. Students who download the app will be entered into a lottery to win crediting funds. Alumni are also eligible to fundraise with DonorDrive.

Matching Day occurs on July 11. At 10 a.m. EST, every third donation is matched up to $100 until funds run out. At 6 p.m., every other student donation up to $10 is matched until funds run out.

The Alternative Fundraiser Challenge occurs on July 15-22. Participants can register for this on THINK on or before July 15 for the dance to win crediting funds. Five winners will be awarded $100.

The campaign wraps up with Pass the Spark, occurring on July 29. This is an Instagram event where participants can recap and “pass the spark” to new or current Penn State students to encourage involvement in THON 2025.

Penn State THON’s “Ignite the Fight” campaign and the announcement of THON Weekend 2025 dates signal the beginning of another impactful year of fundraising and support for families battling childhood cancer.

The campaign not only galvanizes the community but also highlights the unwavering commitment of the students, alumni and supporters dedicated to this noble cause.

Emily Lin is a second-year majoring in communications. To contact her, email eml6121@psu.edu.