Dance for a Cure volunteers and organizers celebrate the night’s success. All proceeds from the evening go to THON, the 46-hour dance marathon benefiting Four Diamonds Fund, a charity that supports children with cancer.
CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Dancers at all experience levels showed off their best moves and learned some new steps at the 2024 Dance for a Cure (D4AC) at Penn State Lehigh Valley on Jan. 27. It was the first time the campus hosted D4AC. The annual event organized by the Penn State Alumni Society raises funds for THON Weekend, the 46-hour dance marathon benefiting Four Diamonds, a charity that supports children with cancer.
“I’m so proud of the dedicated volunteers who came together to make our 12th annual Dance for a Cure a roaring success,” said Chris Bogden, co-founder and executive director of D4AC. “This year’s event included the most dance lessons and unique experiences, the most open dance free-style time and the greatest amount of sponsor support through financial and in-kind donations. It also had the largest event footprint thanks to our partnership with Penn State Lehigh Valley as our host site.”
Professional instructors from around the Lehigh Valley engaged over 200 participants in 10 different multicultural dance styles, including Kuchipudi dance, East Coast Swing, Native American and country line dance. Those who opted out of dancing or took a break could participate in activities like hip hop yoga or partner acrobatics. Garrison Carida Event Team’s Storm Troopers attended for the first time, adding a new element of fun and great photo opportunities for anyone looking to pose with characters from a galaxy far, far away. Food and drink stations provided by local establishments were available in different locations throughout Penn State Lehigh Valley's building. PSECU was the premier event sponsor. The popular silent auction and basket raffle featured the largest selection of offerings yet, Bogden said.
To date, 2024’s event has raised $19,000 for the Four Diamonds Fund. The Hoglund family has benefited directly from the assistance provided by Four Diamonds and was on hand to share their story. Penn State Lehigh Valley THON students shared their excitement for the event and gratitude to the participants who came out to support their efforts. Music was provided by DJ JIMBO, a Penn State Lehigh Valley alum who donated his services to the night’s event.
Bogden said the benchmarks reached throughout the night made it the biggest D4AC since its inception in 2012, crediting the Penn State THON effort. For more information about THON, visit the event’s website.
