Second Annual 3's for THON hosted by Student-Athlete Advisory Council
DUNMORE, Pa. – Penn State Scranton's Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) is excited to announce their weeklong line up of events for the 2nd Annual 3's for THON. The initiative, hosted by the PSUAC Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC),a conference-wide, student-led organization comprised of student-athletes from each member campus, partners student-athlete leaders with their campus THON committees to raise awareness and funds at home basketball events.
This year, "3's for THON" will take place in the PSUAC from January 29-February 12 and Penn State Scranton SAAC has a week of events planned for the initiative. Scranton will be hosting three home games; February 5th, 10th and 12th. During both the men's and women's basketball doubleheaders set for each date, individuals can commit to sponsoring a monetary amount for every made 3-pointer made by the teams for one, two, or all three games. Sponsors can also make a flat donation.
In addition to sponsoring three-pointers made, PSU Scranton SAAC is hosting a variety of other fun events throughout the week, including a free white out t-shirt when you present your PSU ID at the door, halftime shootout contests, raffles, and "Pennies for Pies", a campaign to fill jars corresponding with Penn State student-leaders, staff and faculty. During the Thursday night game against Penn State Hazleton, the level of change in each person's jar will determine how many times they get pied. Those agreeing to get "pied" include Director of Athletics, Paul Moyer, Director of Student Services & Engagement, Matt Nied, SGA President and Vice President Olivia Maikranz and Deyniel Desarden, Julia Egan, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator, Dr. Todd Adams, and coaches and athletic administrators Sara Rinkunas and Mar Tsakonas.
"It's a great way to get our Penn State family involved and ultimately give financial and emotional support to the families and children who are impacted by cancer," commented SAAC Executive Board Member and dual-sport athlete, Mark Longo.
In 2020, participating campuses raised over $7,000 for THON, the world's largest student run philanthropy, which benefits the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children's Hospital. THON is a dance marathon fundraiser hosted annually in mid-February at the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus. Penn State Scranton raised $1,700 alone in the first year of the event.
Scranton is slated to send two dancers to the Bryce Jordan Center for THON on February 19-20. The dancers, which include senior men's soccer captain and SGA Vice President Deyniel Desarden, will be introduced to fans before tip-off of Penn State Hazleton womn's basketball game on February 10.
The PSUAC SAAC is in charge of creating conference-wide initiatives and has led events that include 3's for THON, SAAC Spirit Week and Volunteer Week. To learn more about Penn State Scranton's SAAC visit them online at https://www.psuscrantonathletics.com/general/saaclanding. To sponsor a team's three pointers contact a SAAC member, basketball player or the athletic department at slr5003@psu.edu or 570-963-2616. For the schedule of event times check out the men's and women's basketball schedules on our landing page.