A new home, a new length of non-stop standing and now, an unprecedented record-breaking philanthropic total of money raised -- $5,240,385.17, which obliterated last year's record by $1,025,635.99.

Yesterday afternoon, after 46 hours of a no-sleeping, no-sitting whirlwind of a weekend at the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, Thon overalls announced the practically incomprehensible total to be donated to the Four Diamonds Fund, which was met with screams, cheers and tears.

Four Diamonds, which celebrated its 30th year partnered with Thon this weekend, allocates financial support to families with children battling pediatric cancer. Founded by Charles Millard 35 years ago, he began "something" the day his young son lost his battle with cancer.

"It was the Penn State students that really breathed life into our fund and put us on the map," Millard said before the event began on Friday. "The biggest fundraiser in the world is no small feat."

Thon was held in Rec Hall for the past eight years, but event organizers announced last year that it was moving to the Bryce Jordan Center for 2007.

This year's Thon is "the best yet," Penn State President Graham Spanier said.

"We have a wonderful amount of space, support service and everyone seems happy to be here," he said. "It's wonderful, and the families and everyone can be in one space together."

The extra space accommodated 708 dancers, 702 moralers, 191 families and thousands of volunteers. The added seating in the BJC attracted about 12,000 spectators.

Still, Vice President for Student Affairs Vicky Triponey said, "I don't think you can compare to Rec Hall, those years were magical."

Involvement of student organizations was at an all-time high this year, as well.

"I think [the total] just really shows the support that we had ... Penn State wide," Overall Chairman for Thon Michael Funk said.

Though moving into the BJC went off without a hitch, there were some problems during Thon weekend.

One dancer was taken to Mount Nittany Medical Center, Funk confirmed. However, he would not divulge many details. He did say, "she was in great condition" and "she had her tennis shoes on and she was ready to get back here."

She was kept at Mount Nittany for the duration of Thon as a precaution, Funk said.

"I went to visit her a couple times, and I found a young woman so determined," Triponey said.

Determination was a common theme among dancers.

For dancers who were fatigued or in pain, their personal moralers did their best to keep dancers on their feet and in good spirits.

Independent dancer Jen Shaffer (senior- kinesiology) wore an orange cape during Thon, which her moraler gave her so she'd be easy to spot on the crowded floor.

"My moraler made it for me, and in her first shift, gave it to me as a surprise," she said.

Even with perseverance and dedication "for the kids," the 46 hours took its toll on dancers -- physically, mentally and emotionally.

Dancers fell to the floor after the 46 hours were up.

"It definitely is a restful thing [to sit]. It's so nice to sit, but you can't help but think at the same time ... [cancer patients] can't sit down and make it stop," dancer Jerry Livingston (senior- political science) said.

Much to the relief of exhausted dancers, the weekend culminated with motivational songs, including Penn State favorites "Hey Baby" and "Zombie Nation" and one final line dance, led by the 17 Thon overalls.

Afterward, overalls announced the astonishing and unexpected total to impatient and excited dancers, committee members and spectators.

One by one, overalls held up signs, each with a part of the total on his or her sign, eventually revealing the total.

The record amount added to the weekend of firsts and the determination of Penn State students to contribute as much as they could to defeat pediatric cancer.

"This is a community coming together to make a difference in the world," Triponey said. "I think as a result of this we're going to cure childhood cancer."