Thon 2000 kick-off dinner prepares dancers for event

By Colleen Hyland
Collegian Staff Writer

A "Love Never Fails" ice sculpture, hundreds of white and silver balloons, and "kick-off" Hershey bars are just a few of the many things that greeted attendees of the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon kick-off dinner.

Last night, more than 860 Thon 2000 dancers, student volunteers, university officials, corporate sponsors and Four Diamonds Fund supporters attended the annual kick-off dinner at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel.

The evening began when Thon adviser Andrea Gaspardino welcomed and thanked everyone at the event, which sold out in three days.

While addressing the audience, Gaspardino said each person there had put forth the effort to help the children and move one step closer to the ultimate goal, which is a cure for cancer.

Lauren Balazs, overall reception chair for Thon, also took the opportunity to thank attendees of the evening's events.

"The spirit of Thon never ceases to amaze me. Because of you, 'Love Never Fails,' " said Balazs, referring to Thon's theme.

Balazs continued her speech with a few words of inspiration for those involved with Thon.

"Remember the smiles of these children and let their happiness inspire you," Balazs said.

Throughout the night, words of inspiration, gratitude and hope were passed to the audience, especially to those who will be participating in their first dance marathon.

"Prepare to be inspired and changed," said Brian Sperling, overall chairman for Thon 2000.

Sperling added that dance marathon would not be successful without the dedication of students who work towards a common goal — a smile.

"It's their smile that tells you 'Love Never Fails,' " Sperling said.

Other people speakers included Greg Baiocchi, a social worker for the Hershey Medical Center and Donna Labar, a Four Diamonds' mother.

Baiocchi discussed some feelings about Thon that Four Diamond families shared with him.

Baiocchi said that one family said Thon was similar to having 100 siblings, while others said Thon produced eternal bonds of love between families and students.

Baiocchi ended by expressing his love for the families he works with and his job.

"It is the most rewarding and satisfying job anyone could have," said Baiocchi, adding it is a labor of love.

Labar, who shared her experiences as the parent of a child with cancer, expressed appreciation on behalf of herself, her family, and all of the Four Diamonds' families.

"Every aspect where we are suffering is helped by you," Labar said.

Labar said that she was speaking for every child who has had cancer, those who have lived and those who have died, and for future cancer parents.

"You are doing the right thing and what you are doing is making a difference," Labar said.

Alena Brown (senior-marketing), a past dancer at Thon said that the kick-off dinner is what gets participants ready.

"The dinner prepares you," Brown said. "At the kick-off dinner you see the parents and you realize what we mean to them and what they mean to us."