The floor of Rec Hall trembled with howls and applause from dancers and onlookers as Thon organizers announced the 2003 Dance Marathon totals last night.

The Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon raised $3,600,793.18 -- despite the country's economic problems and bad weather during canning weekends. "[The economy] didn't make it easy," said Lee Kimball, Thon overall chair. He said the negative effects of the slow economy were minimized because most of the funds were raised through individual donations, and not corporate sponsors.

Thon raised just $12,385.43 less than last year's total.

With 2,500 student volunteers and 700 dancers, Thon weekend went very smoothly, Kimball said.

"Things this year were flawless," he said. "I was so excited the entire time, I couldn't ask for more."

For the eighth year in a row, Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, 321 E. Fairmont Ave., and Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, 2 Ritner Hall, were the top money raising greek organizations. This year, the two raised $260,971.05.

Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, 409 E. Fairmont Ave., and Alpha Chi Omega sorority, 101 S. Hibbs Hall, came in second in the greek category, raising $170,137.72. Acacia fraternity, 234 Locust Lane, with Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, 15 Hiester Hall, placed third with $151,595.18.

The top commonwealth campus for the fourth year in a row, was Fayette Campus, raising $33,604.34. They were also the winners of the spirit award among commonwealth campuses, with 330 points. Hazleton Campus came in second, raising $17,324.28, followed by Mont Alto, with $13,169.69. Phi Gamma Nu fraternity was the top money raiser among independent organizations, with $47,434.22.

In second place was the Student Athletic Advisory Board, with $44,313.88.

Rachel Flank, dancing for Kappa Kappa Gamma, said the weekend was a great experience.

"I'm a little swollen and I am losing my voice a little," she said after

the 48 hours on her feet were complete. "But I feel awesome. I was expecting to cry and be a little whiny, but I wasn't."

The weekend was an opportunity to spend time with children and make their day a little better, Flank said.

Charles Millard founded the Four Diamonds Fund in 1972 along with his wife Irma Millard in memory of their son, Christopher Millard, who died of pediatric cancer in 1972. Both Millards were in attendance at the 2003 Dance Marathon. Thon raises 87 percent of the Four Diamonds Funds' monetary contributions, said Sara Firestone, Four Diamonds coordinator.

"Through Thon's support we have been able to endow a research institute," Firestone said. With help of Thon, Four Diamonds is able to have a variety of services for their families, she added.

The Four Diamonds Fund is available for children who are being treated for pediatric cancer in the Children's Hospital of Hershey Medical Center. The fund also assists with financial and emotional support for families.

More than 2,000 families have benefited from the fund since it began in 1972, and no family has been turned away, Kimball said.

"I can't tell you how proud I am to be a part of something like this as a 22 year old," Kimball said. "Congratulations to all the dancers. Way to go Penn State. Good job, you did it."