The 2010 Hope Gala : Beneficiaries

Penn State Dance Marathon (THON)

The Hope Gala: It's Up To You New York, supports The Penn State Dance Marathon's (THON) mission to fight childhood cancer by contributing proceeds to the total donation THON will give to The Four Diamonds Fund. Over the past 36 years, the students of THON have raised over $50 million and have helped thousands of children and families in their fight against pediatric cancer. The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) is a year round fundraising event benefiting The Four Diamonds Fund, Conquering Childhood Cancer, 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.

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 on Christopher Millard's story, click here.