What is The Hope Gala?

The Hope Gala is an annual black tie optional event hosted by the New York City and Northern New Jersey Chapters of the Penn State Alumni Association. Created to support fundraising efforts on behalf of The Four Diamonds Fund and The Penn State Dance Marathon (THON™), The Hope Gala contributes to the mission of conquering childhood cancer. All proceeds benefit pediatric cancer patients at the Penn State Children's Hospital and their families in need of financial aid, medical assistance, and emotional support.  

The title, “The Hope Gala,” was inspired by a reflection on Chris Millard's remarkable story of a knight's hope and quest for the Four Diamonds: Courage, Wisdom, Honesty, and Strength. The Four Diamonds represented the four elements necessary to battle cancer. It was this story that inspired the foundation of The Four Diamonds Fund. 

What is The Four Diamonds Fund?

The mission of The Four Diamonds Fund is to conquer childhood cancer by assisting children treated at Penn State Children's Hospital and their families through superior care, comprehensive support, and innovative research. The Fund has helped over 2,000 families since 1972. Approximately 90 new families receive support each year.  Any family with a child being treated for pediatric cancer at Penn State Children's Hospital in Hershey is automatically eligible for support.  

Charles and Irma Millard established The Four Diamonds Fund in 1972 after the death of their son, Christopher, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 11. Today, a board of civic leaders from counties throughout Central Pennsylvania advises the Fund.

For more information about The Four Diamonds Fund, please visit the 4D Website.

What is THON?

Since 1973, THON has raised more than $69 million to help thousands of children and their families in the fight against pediatric cancer. Today, more than 15,000 student volunteers and 700 dancers are hard at work throughout the year to fundraise for The Four Diamonds Fund at the Penn State Children's Hospital in Hershey, PA.  

The year culminates in a no-sitting, no-sleeping, 46-hour dance marathon held every February. This collective effort has become one of Penn State's greatest and most unifying traditions. Whether it is standing for 46 hours as a dancer, taking care of the facility, or supporting the dancers from the bleachers, every person at THON plays a vital part in creating an amazing atmosphere of love, compassion, and understanding.  

For more information about THON, please visit: www.thon.org.