Raising the most money and dancing for long periods of time have been the focuses of the Interfraternity Council /Panhellenic Dance Marathon, and this year is no different — but this year Thon organizers also wanted to do something special for Thon families.

And with the help of local businesses, they will be able to.

"One of our goals this year was to bring the focus of Thon back to the families," said Elizabeth Stackhouse, the overall marketing chairwoman for Thon. "We think it is fabulous that the State College community and businesses have been so receptive."

With the help of local hotels, the Four Diamond families that are attending Thon will receive free lodging for the weekend. This is the first year that the dance marathon has been able to provide the service to all 123 families involved with Thon this year.

"We have had such great luck this year with the hotels giving us free rooms, because some of the families that are going through treatment wouldn't be able to come to Thon otherwise," said Jayme Rubright , overall family relations chairwoman.

The hotels that have donated lodging for the families are Ramada Inn, 1450 S. Atherton St; The State College Inn, 1663 S. Atherton St.; Sleep Inn, 111 Village Dr.; Comfort Suites, 132 Village Dr.; Motel 6, 1274 N. Atherton St.; Days Inn Penn State, 240 S. Pugh St.; The Courtyard by Marriott, 1730 University Dr.; The Nittany Lion Inn, 200 W. Park Ave.; and The Penn Stater Conference Center.

Sam Glasgow, general manager of The State College Inn, said his hotel has been donating rooms for several years because the business recognizes the worthiness of the cause. "It's just the right thing to do," he said.

Many other local businesses also have donated free activities for the Four Diamond Families this weekend. Eat 'N Park Restaurant, 1617 N. Atherton St., is donating a breakfast for the families and Outback Steakhouse, 1905 Waddle Road., is donating lunch to the families.

Other local businesses are also offering free services to ensure Thon children have a fun weekend.

Tussey Mountain Ski Area in Boalsburg is donating free snow tubing, while Northland Bowl and Sports Center Inc., 1521 Martin St., is allowing families to bowl for free during the weekend.

The Alpha Fire Company is also giving free fire truck rides to the kids, and the Natatorium is giving free swim passes as well. In addition to all the activities, the families will also receive welcome packages. The packages include teddy bears, fanny packs donated by MBNA and pins from Mellon Bank.