Third 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 3nd 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 at Penn State Scranton from Saturday, January 21, 2023 – Friday, January 27, 2023. Scranton will be hosting two home games during the week: January 21st against PSU Lehigh Valley and January 24th against Penn State Schuylkill. During both the men's and women's basketball doubleheaders set for both days, individuals can commit to sponsoring a monetary amount for every made 3-pointer made by the teams. Sponsors can also make a flat donation at the door, to a student-athlete, or by using this link.
In addition to sponsoring three-pointers made, PSU Scranton SAAC is hosting a variety of other fun events throughout the week, including concessions, halftime contests, a 3-point shootout, and raffles for "Best Seat in the House"; where winners will get to sit courtside in a comfy couch and get hand delivered pizza and drinks by SAAC members. Saturday's kick-off to the week starts with a Women's Basketball Alumni game at 10:30 am followed by the men's and women's teams hosting Penn State Lehigh Valley. In addition, two senior starters from the squads, Sam Collins and Justin Craigg will be taking over the PSUAC Instagram for a highlight week of campus, including coach and player features to be released on the conference website.
In its first year, participating campuses raised over $7,000 and in 2022 it grew to over 10k raised 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 and over $1,900 in 2022. This year, the goal is to raise over $2,000, and if SAAC reaches that amount, there are some surprise coaches and administration who will get a pie to the face in celebration, including Athletic Director Paul Moyer, Head Coaches Sara Rinkunas and Mar Tsakonas, and Director of Student Services Matt Neid.
Faculty, staff and students are encourage to also take part in the the 3-point shootout on Thursdsay at 12:15 pm in the gym. Any donation to THON via Athletics THON fundraising page or in person will get you an entry. Three winners will walk away with gift cards and swag.
The PSUAC SAAC has created conference-wide initiatives 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, a student-athlete or the athletic department at snathletics@psu.edu or 570-963-2617.
3's for THON Week Schedule of Events
Saturday, January 21, 2023
10:30 PM Women's Basketball Alumni Game
1:00 PM Women's Basketball vs PSU Lehigh Valley
3:00 PM Men's Basketball vs PSU Lehigh Valley
*PSUAC Instagram Takeover all day
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
6:00 PM Women's Basketball vs PSU Schuylkill
8:00 PM Men's Basketball vs PSU Schuylkill
Thursday, January 26, 2023
12:15 PM 3-point shoot out
*Stay tuned to the PSUAC social media and website all week for Scranton highlights!