For two Sigma Kappa sorority members, being involved with THON in just one way wasn't enough.
Jaclyn Stark and Emily Brown already participate in their sorority's Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon fundraisers. And this year, they've decided to dance on their own.
The pair are attempting to dance independently for THON 2010, a trend that has been steadily growing over the last few years, said John Arnao, THON communications overall chairman.
However, there are only a limited number of slots for independent dancers, a figure THON does not make publicly available, Arnao (senior-health policy administration) said.
Each pair who wishes to dance independently must raise at least $2,500 to gain entry to a lottery. Every $500 after that initial amount earns the pair another entry into the lottery and a greater chance of dancing at THON.
But Stark (senior-public relations) and Brown (senior-nutrition) are undeterred.
They've both been actively involved in THON since freshman year, and they both wanted to devote more time and money this year than they had in the past.
"It had a lot to do with the passion we have, as opposed to working with a larger group of people," she said. "We're combining our efforts: canning with our chapter, fundraising through ourselves and our personal contacts."
For their first fundraiser, the girls made a deal with a fashion boutique in the King of Prussia Mall. When customers mention THON while shopping at The Hide Out between Nov. 22 and Nov. 26, 20 percent of the sale's proceeds will be donated.
Stark said Sigma Kappa sorority has been very supportive of the duo's efforts. One of their fellow sorority members was able to secure the mall fundraiser through a family friend, Brown said.
Each sorority and fraternity pair for THON gets a total number of dancers determined by the amount of money raised by the organizations the previous year. Sigma Kappa has four sorority members dancing this year for the organization, Brown said.
Stark said she's confident she will be able to make it through THON if selected to dance.
"For my first THON in 2007, I remember sitting on the floor the last couple of hours, being in awe," she said. "I think we can both do it. Being in Sigma Kappa and meeting the kids and families that we help is just an awesome experience. I'd love to be able to dance for them and everyone else."
