When Annie Keyes heard the amount of money Thon 2009 raised, she was so surprised, she leaned forward and dropped the number "3" she was holding in the $7,490,133.87 total revealed on stage.
"I was completely shocked," said Keyes, Thon's donor relations overall chairwoman. "I burst into tears. I couldn't believe it."
Though Keyes (senior-finance and political science) said she didn't think about the economy much, many people wondered if the Interfraternity Council/Panehllenic Dance Marathon would surpass last year's record $6.6 million -- especially with the economy's downturn.
Penn State finance instructor Greg Pierce said he's still trying to figure out how so much was raised for the Four Diamonds Fund in this economy.
"Despite the tough economy people are still generous for a good cause," he said. "And Thon has established itself as a good cause."
Still, Pierce said, he was pleasantly surprised when he saw the total increase. He added he had doubts it would match last year's total.
Justin Baer, founder and publisher of charityhappenings.org, a master calendar of non-profit events for a number of U.S. cities, attributes Thon's success to
the passion Penn State has for it. Donors likely recognize that passion, Baer said.
The enthusiasm around Thon could affect the total, economics lecturer Dirk Mateer said. Though charities usually suffer during an economic downturn, Mateer said, Thon is different because it's a visible charity event.
Usually charities have "free riders," people who enjoy the benefit of the act without pulling their weight, he said, but Thon's canning shows a different side.
"Thon is totally different because there are so many people that are so enthusiastic. So it's not OK to put in second-best effort or third-best effort," Mateer said.
Though Thon isn't, some charities are being affected by the economy, Baer said.
"There's no question about it," Baer said. "It's definitely being affected. I've heard of foundations canceling some events as well as downsizing."
To raise money, charities must work harder and appreciate donors who have stuck with them, Baer said.
This year, Thon ramped up its efforts with Thonvelopes, letters sent out soliciting donations. Keyes and her captains distributed about half a million Thonvelopes to students, though she doesn't know how many of those were actually sent out.
Thon's funds come in from corporations, foundations, the Thon store, the Thon raffle and individuals through canning, Thonveloping and pledgebooking, Keyes said.
"We've had tremendous growth," she said. "Thon is just figuring out how to fundraise effectively."
Keyes attributes awareness and extreme dedication to increasing Thon's total.
No matter the total, said Thon dancer and public relations captain Olivia Sena, Thon would still be a success. Still, she was nervous before the total went up.
When she saw the total, she burst into tears, calling it "phenomenal" and "powerful."
"Obviously, the economy was on everyone's mind," Sena (senior-journalism) said.
Collegian Staff Writer Caitlin Burnham contributed to this report.
