From Penn State Berks
Pictured above: This year’s Berks dancers include, from left to right, Olivia Rice, Liam Savitsky, and Gracie Yerges. Photo courtesy of Penn State Berks
Penn State Berks is showing support for the members of Berks Benefitting THON who are representing the college at THON, the University’s dance marathon, which benefits families battling pediatric cancer. There will be a dancer send-off from 1-3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19, in Perkins Student Center Lion’s Den. The campus community will gather to wish the dancers well, and the send-off will be open to the public. Philly Pretzel Factory’s Muhlenberg site will provide free soft pretzels, and Penn State Creamery ice cream will be provided by Housing and Food Services for attendees.
From Friday, Feb. 20, to Sunday, Feb. 22, Penn State students from every campus will gather at the Bryce Jordan Center at Penn State University Park for THON, the 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon to benefit Four Diamonds. For those who cannot make it in person, there will be a live stream at THON Livestream.
This year’s Berks dancers include Olivia Rice, Liam Savitsky, and Gracie Yerges.
Rice, a senior integrative science major, is from Schnecksville, PA. When asked why she chose to be a THON dancer, she explained, “I THON so that no family ever has to feel like they’re fighting alone. I THON so that kids can be kids and parents can be parents.”
She continued, “I have wanted to be a THON dancer since I was about 14 years old. These kids fight so hard, and I can’t imagine a better way to show them my support. This year specifically, I’m dancing for Riley (Rejniak). He was a fun and loving 13-year-old boy who traded in his superhero cape for a pair of angel wings this past December after battling cancer for over eight years. We miss him every day. I hope to make him proud at THON.”
Savitsky, of Myerstown, PA, is a first-year student planning to major in agriculture education. He explained that his reason for wanting to dance in THON is that he loves doing things for the community and for kids. His mother is a two-time cancer survivor, so THON is especially meaningful for him.
“Dancing for THON is my way of standing with families who deserve hope, strength, and joy during the hardest moments of their lives. Being part of Berks Benefitting THON has shown me the power of community, and I’m honored to give everything I can For The Kids,” Savitsky stated.
Gracie Yerges, a junior writing and digital media major from Dover, PA, explained her motivation to dance in THON, stating, “I love being a part of THON. We get to know the families we dance for, and we can see the impact of what we do in real time. Getting to dance is an opportunity to show how much our families mean to us.”
The members of Berks Benefitting THON stated that they are excited to raise money and represent the college at this coming THON.
The group has been raising funds for THON throughout the year, beginning in July. Berks Benefitting THON has hosted various fundraisers at Red Robin, Honeygrow, Chipotle, Panera, Yogo Crazy, and MOD Pizza. The group also raised funds at the college by selling Double Good Popcorn and sandwiches from R&K Subs, and hosting ‘Pie in the Face’ event, homecoming bingo, and their largest event, the annual Inspire the Night benefit dinner hosted off campus at the Redner’s Event Center at First Energy Stadium. To date, they have raised over $25,000.
In 2025, THON raised a record-breaking $17,737,040.93, with Penn State Berks raising $30,090.75, earning the seventh spot among the Commonwealth Campuses for THON fundraising. Donations will be accepted until midnight on Saturday, Feb. 21.
About THON
In 1977, the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, known as THON, established its relationship with the Four Diamonds at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Four Diamonds directly assists the families at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, while funding research in pursuit of a cure. To date, THON has contributed more than $190 million to support children and their families fighting pediatric cancer. Every year, more than 16,000 student volunteers devote their time and effort to raise money through fundraising events. The hard work of every volunteer culminates every February during THON weekend for a 46-hour dance marathon celebration in the Bryce Jordan Center at University Park. Berks Benefiting THON, a Penn State Berks student organization, works collaboratively with THON at Penn State University Park to raise funds and spread awareness of pediatric cancer.
