Local corporations boost Thon funds

By NIKKI VELISARIS
and JILL LEONARD
Collegian Staff Writers

As the days to contribute money to the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon dwindle, corporate sponsors are pledging additional funds students can take part in gathering.

MBNA America is donating $25,000 to Thon, and contributing an additional $20 for each new account opened through the Alumni Association MasterCard.

In addition to support from MBNA, the ID+ program also gives students the opportunity to contribute money to Thon by starting new bank accounts.

For every new account opened with Penn State ID+ cards this month, the program will donate $5 to The Four Diamonds Fund. Accounts can be established through Mid-State Bank or the Penn State Federal Credit Union.

MBNA, the largest corporate sponsor for Thon, agreed to an additional 10 years of support last November.

"MBNA is proud to support the dance marathon, a premier fund-raising event that exemplifies the spirit of Penn State," said Peter Frank, MBNA's spokesman.

Each organization that participates in Thon hands out card applications with a unique code on them, said Brian Newmark, 1999 overall chair. As applications are approved, MBNA donates money in the name of the organization that distributed them.

"It is a really excellent way for our students to raise extra money for Thon," Newmark said.

The $20 donation for each new card is the largest MBNA has made in its 10-year affiliation with the dance marathon, and MBNA is expecting several hundred applications this year.

"MBNA is doing a great service to the community in donating this money. All students should be proud to have helped this cause," said Bill Sechrist (freshman-math).

MBNA and the Alumni Association have a strong relationship, and both have been strong corporate sponsors for Thon, David Schaefer, 1999 public relations chair, said.

The program was started in order to give students an incentive to apply for the card, Newmark said. Because students know money is going toward Thon, they may be more inclined to open an account.