The 2010 Hope Gala is the second annual black tie optional event hosted by the New York City and Northern New Jersey Chapters of the Penn State Alumni Association and the Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group. Created to support fundraising efforts on behalf of The Penn State Dance Marathon (THON™) and The Four Diamonds Fund, 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. (Read more about Chris' story by clicking on our Beneficiaries tab.)

Frank Sinatra sings our theme the best but we, New Yorkers, are committed to achieving it. New York has been a prime location for Penn State alum throughout the years and it's time for New Yorkers to come together for a great cause. It's Up To You New York!

What is THON?

For more than 35 years, the students of Penn State have raised over $50 million to help thousands of children and families in their fight against pediatric cancer. THON is a year-round fundraising event benefiting 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, involving over 15,000 students and 700 dancers, has become one of Penn State's greatest and most unifying traditions. Whether standing for 46 hours as a dancer, entertaining the crowd, taking care of the facility, or even standing in the bleachers, every person at THON plays a small part in creating an amazing atmosphere of love, compassion, and understanding.

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

New York City Chapter- Penn State Alumni Association

The The New York City Chapter works to establish a network of close fellowship and cooperation among members of the Penn State family (alumni, parents of students, friends and fans) residing in the greater New York City area.

For more information, please visit the New York City Chapter website at www.psunyc.org .

Northern New Jersey Chapter- Penn State Alumni Association

The Northern New Jersey Chapter strives to act as a resource for all University alumni, family, and friends in New Jersey by fostering relationships between Northern New Jersey Alumni and their Alma Mater.

For more information, please visit the Northern New Jersey City Chapter website at www.psunj.org .

DMAIG

The Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group (DMAIG) promises to promote a continuing relationship between students and alumni who care about THON by providing opportunities for alumni to give time, money and resources to aid in the conquering of childhood cancer.

For more information, please visit the DMAIG website at www.dmaig.org .