Seven hundred and two dancers dropped to the ground in exhaustion as the total for the 2004 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon was announced last night in Rec Hall.

This year, $3,547,715.48 was raised by 257 clubs and organizations for the Four Diamonds Fund. The total fell $53,077.70 short of Thon 2003.

"We are showing the world what it means when we say 'We are ... Penn State,' " Vice President of Student Affairs Vicky Triponey said in her opening speech. "We're making a difference in the world. It's so exciting, and I'm so proud."

"The bottom line is that $3.5 million for the kids makes a difference," said Adam Duff, overall Thon chairman. "This is our piece of the puzzle, and we are proud of the money we made -- Students work hard to do this."

For the ninth year in a row, Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, 321 E. Fairmount Ave. and Zeta Tau Alpha sorority took first place for the most money raised by a greek organization with $257, 999.81.

Phi Gamma Nu business fraternity came in first place for most money raised by an individual organization with $67,587.33.

The Commonwealth Campuses also showed their support by raising money. Fayette Campus came in first place by raising a total of $28,165.34.

However, money was not the only thing raised for Thon.

"Are you watching the same thing I am?" asked Duff in disbelief. "This is absolutely incredible! I don't think Penn State has seen this much enthusiasm in Thon ever."

This year, the Student Red Cross Club won first place in the individual organization spirit competition.

Acacia, 234 Locust Lane, and Alpha Omicron Pi took first for the Greek organization spirit competition.

The spirit extended to the dance floor. Dancers were excited right from the start.

"Thon is the greatest dance for anyone -- dancer, morale or audience," dancer Anthony Granados (freshman-business management) said.

Abby Maletta (junior-elementary education), a Kappa Kappa Gamma dancer, said she had been excited all day.

"I know I'm going to be tired and worn out and sick, but I know I can do it, and that will help me through it," she said.

However, as the weekend went on, it became harder and harder for the dancers.

Around noon yesterday, Tamara Salamon (senior-psychology and Spanish), a Delta Sigma Pi dancer, could only whisper.

"I haven't done anything more than speak normally," she said. "But I can't keep my eyes open, and that becomes hard when I'm walking around and I run into people."

Stefano Barbose (sophomore-business administration), a Zeta Beta Tau dancer, said knowing that there is still a good amount of the weekend left brings him down a little bit.

Travis Burke (sophomore-mechanical engineering) a North Halls Residence Association dancer said "I am feeling dazed and confused but am trying to keep an overall positive mental outlook on the situation."

Many dancers look to the kids to keep their energy level up.

"I'm really tired, but all the energy here keeps me going," said Allyson Welsh (senior-media studies), a Thespians dancer. "When I am talking to the kids, I don't even notice."

Carolyn Powell (junior-marketing), a Alpha Kappa Psi dancer, said the hardest time is early in the morning when the families aren't there.

"When the families and the kids come in, the energy level rises and it makes me feel great," she said.

And despite the pain and exhaustion of 48 hours without sitting or sleeping can bring, at the end of it all, some dancers said they didn't have any regrets.

"I feel awesome, a little tired, but I feel really great about what we did," said Erin Franc (junior-psychology), a Division Of Undergraduate Studies Student Council dancer after the total amount raised was announced.

"My emotions are at an all time high," said Valarie Sturiale (senior-bio-behavioral health), a Alpha Chi Sigma dancer. "I'm excited, sad and proud; it's a great feeling."