Dancers endure 46 hours on feet for record breaking total

On February 21 the four Penn State Berks THON dancers screamed their lungs out inside a capacity filled Bryce Jordan Center [BJC] as a record breaking total of $7,838,054.36 was revealed for the Four Diamond fund.

“It was incredible and I cry every time I see it. I never thought we would raise that much money the way things are these days with the economy,” said dancer Michele Pischle.

For Berks dancer, Michelle Wellimin, the Berks THON families Biancones, Swopes and her friends played a big role at THON.

“My friends definitely were my support system, especially with my family not being there. The Swopes and the Biancones being there also helped a bunch; they were my main motivation and having them there was a huge help,” said Dancer Michelle Willemen.

During the 46 hours there was more then just dancing these dancer could do on the floor.

Willemin explained, “There was always something to do on the floor, whether it was playing giant Jenga with big blocks or participating in the color wars, to making picture frames and jewelry”

The dancers had their own personal motivators known as “Moralers” along their side through out the time span. Junior Stephanie Fuss, assigned to Penn State Berks dancers, had many ways to keep these Berks dancers going.

“As a previous dancer in THON 2009, during the weekend I tried to keep the Berk's dancers moving every moment possible, that is the key to making it through THON weekend,” said Fuss

She knew exactly how to keep these dancers motivated.

“I would bring games to play and activities to do to keep them busy. Also, I would always ask them if they needed anything, especially a piggy back ride or to be massaged,” said Fuss

Willemen and the three other dancers were positive they could get through the almost two days of being on their feet.

“In the beginning, the first time your feet really start hurting, you get a little freaked out because you still have so long to go, but never did I have a doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t be able to finish,” said Willemin.

Dancer Alicia Gilham saw her work payoff in the final hour of THON
“The end of THON was my favorite when all the families were there and I had a burst of energy. I could see what all of our hard work has done for these families and just all the love in the arena,” said Gilham

The THON total will be added to the additional 61 million dollars raised since the beginning of THON in 1973. Despite being in a recession in the past two years, THON had still raised $7,490,133.87 in 2009.

“It's amazing that even while in a recession, THON is able to beat the total from previous years,” said Business Major Mike Wolfinger.

Wolfinger a junior at Berks continued by saying, “It shows how much the students care and work so hard to raise that huge amount for the Four Diamonds Fund. Nothing can keep us from raising money for these kids.”

Even know these students were not required to stay awake 46 straight hours, many students includingTHON Canning chair Rachael Parent, had less then 10 hours of sleep the whole weekend.

“I had a total of 8 hours of sleep the whole weekend,” said parent.
While dancers Miller, Gilham, Welleman and Pischle stood on the

ir feet for 46 hours, Berks THON students stood in the BJC supporting each dancer on the a

rena floor. There was not a single second where a Berks student was not in the stand cheering for the four individuals.


“I had so much fun cheering the dancers on while everyone was feeding off each others energy,” saidl Parent.

Brian Tran, Berks THON Overall was honored by the dancers,“Words can not describe how proud I am of the dancers this year. Each of the dancers pushed through the pain and made it look so easy. I admire and look up to every one of them so much for what they have done. They made a difference in the lives of these children and for that, they are true heroes.”