As Penn State gets closer and closer to hosting the next Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, fraternities and sororities are not the only ones gathering together to finalize preparations.

Although Thon has a greek community base that began 28 years ago, many non-greek organizations have become involved since then, and this year is no exception.

Some of those non-greek organizations are first-timers in Thon this year, and the feeling of excitement is building for some, especially for the dancers that are representing their organizations for the first time ever.

"I am so excited, especially since this is my senior year and our first time at Thon," said Kristin Bigos, (senior-pre-medicine) a dancer representing the Ballroom Dance Club. "I hope we will continue this tradition."

A lot of the money the Ballroom Dance Club raised was donated on an individual basis, said Ivett Pruner (sophomore-international business and finance).

"We sent out a mass e-mail and so many people responded positively," he said, referring to how the Ballroom Dance Club raised money for the special affair. Other organizations raised money in similar ways.

"We went canning and sent out pledge books and asked for help from the professors in our department," said Kate Bulinski (junior-geological science), Thon chair and a dancer for the Geo Science Club. "It was a little difficult to think of ideas on how to raise money because this is our first year."

Over the years, Thon has not only provided many cancer victims with money and support, it has also provided organizations, both greek and non-greek, with a chance to become actively involved in and give back to the community.

Like the Ballroom Dance Club and Geo Science Club, the Outing Club is participating in Thon for the first time this year.

"Thon has provided us with the opportunity to be more than just a club with just its members," Wendy Luber (sophomore-environmental education), a member of the Outing Club, said about this year's Thon. "This is our chance to give back to the community and to reach out. We are so appreciative to be a part of it all."

Miss Penn State, members of College Democrats, Life House, the substance-free living option and the Campus Weather Service are some of the many groups that have become involved this year.

Some non-greek organizations that are participating again this year include groups such as Habitat for Humanity, Walt Disney World College Program, Red Cross, Adopt-A-School and No Refund Theatre.

With the dance marathon just a few days away, Bulinski is looking forward to being a part of her organization's first time in Thon.

"I am so, so, so excited, I can't imagine what it will be like."