With 100 days to go until the 2007 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, Thon volunteers were out in force yesterday to excite students about the event and spread the word that the countdown has begun.

"100 Days," an event coordinated by the Thon public relations committee, made Thon's presence known around campus.

" '100 Days Until Thon' is an event to create awareness about what Thon is and get people excited about it," Megan Kendrick, Thon public relations chairwoman, said. "It's an opportunity for everyone to be in Thon gear and show that we are all really united in this one thing."

A pep rally was held on the steps of Old Main featuring a performance of the Thon 2006 line dance by the morale captains. The HUB-Robeson Center was filled with balloons and tables staffed by committee members selling candy, pins and Thon merchandise and handing out stickers announcing the countdown. Thon-themed dinners were served at the dining commons yesterday evening, Kendrick said.

"I think it really helps get people excited," she said.

Thon overall chairman Michael Funk said with this year's fundraising officially begun, events like "100 Days" increase spirit.

"This is one of those days where we really try to push and get the word out on campus and get everyone excited," Funk said.

Though there is no official count of the number of students who participated in "100 Days," Kendrick said the vast majority of captains, committee members and a large portion of the student body took part.

Students participating in the event felt that Thon's presence on campus yesterday brought the event to students' attention.

Danielle Stemple (junior-elementary education), a hospitality captain, said events like "100 Days" help excite not only those students participating in Thon but also excite the student body as a whole.

Mary Kate Keenan (junior-marketing), a member of the hospitality committee, said it reminds people that Thon isn't too far in the future.

"It gets people thinking about Thon again," she said.

The events around campus increased the interest of students, such as freshmen, who may not know what Thon is, Kendrick said.

Funk said "100 Days" also gives students still interested in participating in Thon the opportunity to volunteer by providing information as to how students can sign up for the volunteer listserv on the Thon Web site.