Thousands of people come to Thon every year, but some choose to sacrifice sleep to attend in the wee hours of the morning.

One of the late night fans in attendance early Saturday morning thought that Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon was simply more important than sleep.

"It's for the kids. Who would rather sleep than save a kid's life," Jennifer Ashley (freshman-business management) said. "Not sleeping over one weekend isn't going to kill you."

Cassie Pietrzak (freshman-biochemical health) agreed with Ashley.

"I'm tired, but it's worth it," she said. "When I saw our Thon kid Hunter's little face, and saw what we were canning for and putting all this time in for, it just brought tears to my eyes."

Ryan Collins (senior-microbiology) knew from personal experience that it would be important to support the dancers late at night.

"I'm here to show my support and help keep dancers energy up," he said. "I was on the OPP team my freshman year and know how tired the people can get."

Carleigh McKenna (junior-theater and public relations), an independent dancer in this year's Thon, echoed Ward's sentiments.

"When people come and surprise you that's what makes a big difference," McKenna said. "It kind of breaks up the monotony and keeps you occupied."

Many of the fans in attendance early Saturday morning said that they came late at night specifically to support the dancers at a time when not many other people would be there.

"It's the best time to come," Kristine Hodshon (senior-psychology) said. "This is when dancers start to hit their first low. That's when they need people there for them."

Hodshon said she knew eight dancers participating.

Mike McGurk (junior-kinesiology) said that he had five fellow fraternity members dancing.

"They always ask just to come out late when no one's here," he said.

Allie Peters (sophomore-human development and family studies), a member of Kappa Delta sorority, said that she was also supporting dancers that she knew.

"I could be in bed, but my friends aren't sleeping so why would I be?" she said.

For Jasmine Morales (sophomore-advertising), the Thon co-chairwoman from Penn State Lehigh Valley, it didn't matter how late it was.

"We plan on being here as long as possible," she said. "Thon is hope. It's amazing what a whole bunch of student can do when they all have the same goal."