Students laced up their skates Saturday to support the Interfraternity/Panhellenic Council Dance Marathon.

The skating event, held in the afternoon before the Icer's game, drew many students to the Ice Pavilion at the Greenberg Sports Complex on campus.

Supporters were charged $5 for admission and $2 to rent skates, and most of the proceeds went to Thon, with the remaining amount used for rental fees.

Chris Whittemore, manager of the Ice Pavilion, said he was happy to host the event because it's great exposure for Thon and awareness for the Four Diamonds Fund.

Lindsey Jenkins, entertainment overall chairwoman, said the event was started last year by the entertainment committee.

"It's a different way to come out and show support for Thon," Jenkins said.

Megan Kendrick, public relations chairwoman, said Thon allows supporters to have fun as well as donate money to a great cause.

"Sometimes as college kids we get lost in school," she said. "Ice skating is a fun kid event."

Many students were excited about the opportunity to support Thon while also getting the chance to enjoy an afternoon or an entire day with good friends.

Megan DiNorscio said she never realized how important Thon was until she became a part of an organization actively involved with the event.

Tory Miksiewicz (sophomore-chemistry) said though she's not directly involved with Thon, it means a lot to her because she hopes to go into pediatrics.

"To me, Thon is a way for our university to get involved with the community around us," she said. "It just puts you in the spirit of working together."

Miksiewicz added that the most important part of everyone coming together to support Thon and the Four Diamonds Fund is "having a good time."

Thon is in charge of hosting a series of fundraisers that try to include the community, Kendrick said.

"One of the big goals is really to embrace Thon as a season, not just a weekend," Kendrick added of Thon's extended festivities. "[Thon] culminates in a weekend, but it's not just a weekend."