On its tour of college campuses across the country, Magnum Comedy Management's New Generation of Comedy Tour will make a special appearance tonight at Penn State to perform "for the kids."

Three comedians, Zach Miller, KT Tatara and Justin Berkman, who make up the comedy group, which formed this year, will perform at 8 p.m. in Schwab Auditorium to benefit The Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (Thon).

"This is a great way to raise some money for the kids and get that Thon spirit out there to the Penn State community," said Kat Foley, Thon entertainment chair. "I think that the comedy show is a great way for students to be entertained but also to help Thon as well."

The Thon committee and Magnum Comedy Management negotiated to donate 50 percent of the proceeds, after venue dues are paid, to Thon. The remaining money will go to the comedians, Foley said.

Seth Moser, Thon overall chair, said the comedy show is new this year and is the first public event for Thon 2005, which is scheduled for the weekend of Feb. 18.

"I'm happy to have another event to get people out, to get people excited about Thon," he said.

Foley said the comedians of Magnum Comedy Management knew about Thon through friends who attend Penn State and approached the Thon committee about doing a show.

"They wanted to come out and help us out and get some exposure for the kids and get some money raised," she said.

Carrie Konosky, Thon public relations chair, said the group was interested in Thon and wanted to encourage support.

"They were really supportive of what Thon does, and how we help out the Four Diamonds [Fund]," Konofsky said. "They thought it would be a great cause."

Foley said the comedians will most likely perform using the same material they have used at other colleges on their tour, but they are excited about the benefit show and may personalize some of the jokes specifically toward Penn State.

Sarah Lloyd, a graduate student who is helping advise some of the Thon activities, said students should support Thon by going to the comedy tour to show school pride and to help the kids.

"I think that people should support Thon because it's an amazing cause," she said. "There are so many children affected by cancer that need our help."

Konofsky and Moser said they expect the show to sell out. Moser said he encourages students to arrive early if they plan on buying tickets at the door.

"I think were going to have a really great turnout," Konofsky said.

Tickets for the event are $4.95 and are available at Eisenhower Auditorium, the Downtown Theatre, online at www.thon.org and at the door tonight.