2013 RULEBOOK - Thon

Rulebook 

2013 Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon 

THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY 

IFC/PANHELLENIC DANCE MARATHON 

2013 RULEBOOK 

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PENN STATE IFC/PANHELLENIC DANCE MARATHON: 

AN INTRODUCTION 

1972, 14-year old Christopher R. Millard wrote an essay that symbolized his battle with cancer. The 

essay, entitled The Four Diamonds, spoke of the four qualities, courage, wisdom, honesty, and strength, 

which were vital to his fight. 

Shortly after losing his battle to cancer, Christopher’s parents, Charles and Irma Millard, established The 

Four Diamonds Fund. The Fund exists to ease the financial burden on families whose children receive 

treatment at the Penn State Children’s Hospital at the Hershey Medical Center. In addition to providing 

direct assistance to families, The Fund provides money for clinical, educational, and research programs 

relating to childhood cancer. 

The Interfraternity Council’s (IFC) Dance Marathon began in 1973. In 1977, THON began its relationship 

with The Four Diamonds Fund with the Panhellenic Council joining IFC as a co-sponsor in 1989. To date, 

THON has contributed more than $89 million to help support the families and 

children. Officially recognized as the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, 

THON was responsible for contributing 72% of the total revenue of The Four 

Diamonds Fund in the 2011 fiscal year. 

What makes THON special is not the money itself, but the reason for 

which those funds are raised. THON provides help to countless 

families while instilling a sense of hope and confidence in all of the 

children that The Fund supports. With the continued effort and 

dedication of all those involved, that sense of hope continues to rise to 

unprecedented levels. 

Each year, more than 15,000 students contribute their time and 

effort to raise money through solicitations and sponsorships. 

The dedication and hard work of each student culminates in 

one weekend in February: THON. More than 700 students 

dance continuously for 46 hours, without sitting or sleeping, to 

show their support for the families of children with cancer. Despite the obvious physical pains each 

dancer endures, it is frequently described as one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives. In the 

words of former Penn State University president, Bryce Jordan, “It is an act of pure unselfishness.” 

“By now, the once clear path had disappeared…Millard struggled a 

few feet higher and he knew not all was lost…shortly after, he 

looked directly upon the tree of life…and the joy of the precious 

fruit had freed him of the mountain’s fearful curses.” 

--Christopher Millard 

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Welcome to THON 2013! The THON Rulebook is your resource for everything regarding dates, policies, 

and regulations of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon – the largest student-run philanthropy 

in the world. Answers to questions concerning fundraising, dancer requirements, event access, and much 

more can be found here. Keep in mind that this rulebook includes changes to the rules and regulations 

from years past, so it is essential that the THON 2013 Rulebook, rather than past rulebooks, be read 

cover-to-cover and consulted for any policy inquiries. 

A number of sections in particular have been added and/or updated for your convenience. These sections 

include but are not limited to: 

v� Volunteer Involvement 

v� Standards for Interaction with Minors 

v� Four Diamonds Recycling Effort Information 

v� THON Chair Requirements 

v� Fundraising Improvements 

v� Overall Contact Information 

v� Vehicle Codes 

v� Codes of Conduct for THON Volunteers 

v� Canning Workshop Information 

v� A list of Important Dates for THON Chairs 

v� And much more… 

On behalf of the THON 2013 Overall Committee, we would like to thank you for your tireless effort and 

dedication to this cause. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Additionally, we 

invite you to visit www.thon.org for contact information, event dates, Committee information, and 

important documents. 

THON 2013 promises to be a rewarding and successful chapter in the longstanding tradition of Penn 

State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. Thank you for being an integral part of this remarkable cause! 

In the spirit of THON… 

For The Kids, 

Mike Wellner Will Martin 

Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon 

2013 Overall Rules and Regulations Chairperson 2013 Overall Chairperson 

rules.regulations@thon.org overall@thon.org 

1-800-392-THON (8466) 1-800-392-THON (8466) 

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THON 2013 CONTACT LIST 


This rulebook should answer most questions regarding anything relating to THON. If any rule is 

unclear or requires further explanation, please contact the Overall Rules and Regulations 

Chairperson, Mike Wellner (rules.regulations@thon.org). For any general THON information or 

questions, please contact the THON Office. The Overall Committee can be contacted at the 

information listed below. 

GENERAL THON INFORMATION/QUESTIONS: 

THON office: 210 HUB University Park, PA 16802 

Phone: 814-865-0510 or 1-800-392-THON 

Web Site: www.THON.org 

OVERALL COMMITTEE EMAIL LIST 

Position Name Email 

Overall Will Martin overall@thon.org 

Communications Jenna Adams communications@thon.org 

Donor and Alumni Relations Michael Ringenbach donor.alumni.relations@thon.org 

Entertainment Joey Cassidy entertainment@thon.org 

Family Relations Sarah Miele family.relations@thon.org 

Finance Jen Stipa finance@thon.org 

Hospitality John Mazzochette hospitality@thon.org 

Merchandise Ryan Patrick merchandise@thon.org 

Morale Melanie Sessa morale@thon.org 

OPPerations Michelle Gettle opperations@thon.org 

Public Relations Cat Powers public.relations@thon.org 

Rules and Regulations Mike Wellner rules.regulations@thon.org 

Special Events Lakshmi Kolandra special.events@thon.org 

Supply Logistics Matt Scorzafave supply.logistics@thon.org 

Technology Chris Kessler technology@thon.org 

THON Advisor Barry Bram bqb7@sa.psu.edu 

*Other information regarding Committees and all THON documents can be found at: 

www.THON.org. 

**Secure donations can be made at: www.THON.org 

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Table of Contents 


1.0 Note of Regulatory Compliance .............................................................................. 6 

1.3 Fundraising Organization Requirements ............................................................................. 6 

1.4 Volunteer Requirements ..................................................................................................... 7 

1.5 THON Chair Requirements ................................................................................................. 8 

1.6 Four Diamonds Recycling Effort ....................................................................................... 11 

1.7 Ethical Considerations ...................................................................................................... 11 

1.8 Interaction with Minors ...................................................................................................... 12 

2.0 Fundraising ............................................................................................................. 13 

2.1 Forced Fundraising ........................................................................................................... 13 

2.2 Fundraising Window .......................................................................................................... 13 

2.3 Methods of Fundraising ..................................................................................................... 13 

2.4 Commonwealth Campus Regulation ................................................................................. 29 

2.5 Statement of Financial Integrity ......................................................................................... 31 

3.0 Merchandise ........................................................................................................... 32 

3.2 Process of Ordering Merchandise ..................................................................................... 33 

3.3 Copyright Infringements .................................................................................................... 34 

3.4 Selling Merchandise .......................................................................................................... 34 

3.5 Penalties for Misconduct ................................................................................................... 35 

4.0 THON Events .......................................................................................................... 35 

4.1 Hershey Trips .................................................................................................................... 35 

4.2 Adopt-a-Family Regulations .............................................................................................. 37 

5.0 Dancer Information ................................................................................................ 42 

5.1 Dancer Classifications ....................................................................................................... 42 

5.2 Number of Dancer Couples ............................................................................................... 43 

5.3 THON Volunteers Dancing ................................................................................................ 44 

5.4 Guidelines for Dancer Registration ................................................................................... 45 

5.5 Lottery System ................................................................................................................. 46 

5.6 Dancer Timeline ................................................................................................................ 46 

6.0 THON Weekend Information .................................................................................. 47 

6.1 THON Chair Responsibility ............................................................................................... 47 

6.2 Organization Passes ......................................................................................................... 47 

6.3 PASS System Requirements ............................................................................................ 48 

6.4 Organizational Total Criteria ............................................................................................. 50 

6.5 General THON Weekend Rules ........................................................................................ 51 

6.6 PASS System Rules ......................................................................................................... 53 

7.0 Code of Conduct .................................................................................................... 54 

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Appendices ................................................................................................................... 55 

A. Tax ID Information .............................................................................................................. 55 

B. State Vehicle Codes ........................................................................................................... 56 

C. Travel Safety Guidelines .................................................................................................... 61 

D. Points Associated with Penalties ........................................................................................ 64 

E. Consequences of Point Values ........................................................................................... 65 

F. Important Dates .................................................................................................................. 66 

1.0 NOTE OF REGULATORY COMPLIANCE 

1.1. The rules in this book are set in order to facilitate your organization’s success, thus 

making THON a more successful event for all. These rules are implemented to ensure 

the integrity of THON while setting fair standards for all fundraising organizations. 

Above all, THON is a philanthropic event, not a competition, and all money raised is for 

the aid of the children and their families. Your cooperation with all the guidelines 

outlined in the Rulebook is appreciated. Remember, it is For The Kids! 

1.2. Any individual or organization suspected of being in violation of these rules will be 

subject to investigation by the Overall Committee. All evidence will be presented to the 

Overall Committee and a fair and speedy judgment will be reached. If the organization 

is found in violation of these rules, it will be assessed with a penalty proportionate to the 

severity of the violation. 

1.2.1. PLEASE NOTE: The 2013 Rulebook is subject to changes and revisions at the 

discretion of the Overall Committee and in the best interest of THON as a 

philanthropic organization benefiting The Four Diamonds Fund. 

1.3. FUNDRAISING ORGANIZATION REQUIREMENTS 

1.3.1. All THON student organizations must be recognized by The Pennsylvania State 

University. This rule does not apply to Independent Dancer Couples. 

1.3.2. To start the process of becoming a recognized student organization, please 

report to the Student Activities office in 209 HUB. Once the steps have been taken 

to be recognized by the University, the organization may register in the THON 

Office at 210 HUB for THON fundraising organization status. 

1.3.3. Organizations must complete all steps of the process before participating in any 

THON fundraising activities. To verify Penn State student organization status, 

please visit clubs.psu.edu or confirm with a staff member in 209 HUB. 

1.3.4. PLEASE NOTE: NO ORGANIZATION MAY USE THON’S NAME IN 

ASSOCIATION WITH ITS OWN FUNDRAISING ORGANIZATION NAME IN ANY 

FORM OF MEDIA. For example, an organization MAY say they are “Organization 

X Benefiting THON,” but they may NOT say they’re “Organization X THON” 

Acceptable use of THON’s name when coupled with a student organization name is 

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allowed on merchandise after permission has been granted by the Overall 

Merchandise Chairperson. Please see Section 3.0 for more information. 

1.3.4.1. PLEASE NOTE: These rules apply to organization’s social media and 

email accounts as well. No organization may use THON’s name in its own 

social media or email account. For example, an organization MAY be 

organizationx.ftk@gmail.com but they may NOT be 

organizationx.thon@gmail.com. 

1.3.4.2. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Reddit pages MAY be “Organization X 

FTK”, but they may NOT be “Organization X THON” or “Organization X 

Benefiting THON”. 

1.3.4.2.1. Organization X Benefiting THON IS an appropriate email 

signature, an appropriate title of an alternative fundraiser, and an 

appropriate description of an organization’s mission. 

1.3.4.2.2. All organizations found in violation of this rule will gain three (3) 

points. Penalties associated with three points include meeting with 

Appropriate Member(s) of the Overall Committee and/or Captain 

Committee. A complete list of points and all associated penalties is 

available in Appendices D and E. 

1.3.4.3. NO organizations may participate in “Twitterthons”, “Like Drives” or 

similar types of online fundraising through social media. This applies to any 

official organization social media accounts. 

1.3.4.3.1. Organizations cannot endorse or publicize other 

“Twitterthons”, “Like Drives” or similar type of fundraising. 

1.3.4.3.2. All organizations found engaging in “Twitterthons” will gain four (4) 

points. Penalties associated with four (4) points include: meeting with 

appropriate member(s) of the Overall Committee, loss of Floor Pass(es) 

for THON Weekend, loss of Dancer Couple(s) for THON Weekend, loss 

of participation in THON, 100% loss of funds raised from given occasion. 

1.3.4.4. No organization may use any footage that is used in any THON video for 

their video. 

1.3.4.5. Please contact the Overall Public Relations Chairperson, Cat Powers 

(public.relations@thon.org) with any questions. 

1.4. Volunteer Requirements 

1.4.1. THON is a student-run event. Therefore, all student volunteers, Chairpersons, 

Captains, Committee Members, organization chairs, and dancers must either be full 

or part-time undergraduate or graduate Penn State students, students on a 

registered Internship/Co-op/Foreign Study assignment recognized by the 

Pennsylvania State University within the academic year, August 2012 until May 

2013, or an alumni member of Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group (Dance 

Marathon AIG). 

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1.4.2. Graduate students are permitted to partake in the following: form an organization, 

participate as a member of an organization, and fundraise as a member of an 

Independent Dancer Couple. They may NOT apply for Captain or Committee 

Member positions. 

1.4.3. Any individual who has a student teaching assignment within Centre County is 

eligible to apply for any THON 2013 Captain and Committee Member Position. 

1.4.4. Any individual who has a student teaching assignment outside of Centre County 

during the fall of 2012 is not eligible to apply for any THON 2013 Captain or 

Committee Member position (See1.4.9). 

1.4.5. Any individual who has a student teaching assignment outside of Centre County 

during the spring of 2013 is eligible to apply to be a THON 2013 Special Events 

Captain, Special Events Committee Member or a Donor and Alumni Relations 

Committee Member only. 

1.4.6. Any individual who plans to study abroad during the fall of 2012 is not eligible to 

apply for any THON 2013 Captain or Committee Member position (See1.4.9). 

1.4.7. Any individual who plans to study abroad during the spring of 2013 is eligible to 

apply to be a Special Events Captain, Special Events Committee Member or a 

Donor and Alumni Relations Committee Member only. 

1.4.8. Any individual who will be an undergraduate student during the 2013-2014 

school year, and is in accordance with the above stipulations during the 2013-2014 

academic year, is eligible to apply for any THON 2014 Spring Captain position. 

1.4.9. These rules do not apply to fundraising organization involvement. Those not 

eligible for a THON Committee position are encouraged to join a fundraising 

organization. 

1.4.10. *Enrollment may be subject to verification by the Overall Committee at any 

time. If you have any questions or concerns regarding fundraising organization or 

volunteer requirements, please contact Overall Communications Chairperson, 

Jenna Adams (communications@thon.org). 

1.5. THON Chair Requirements 

1.5.1. THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS ARE SET FORTH BY THE OVERALL 

COMMITTEE AND MUST BE MET BY ALL THON CHAIRS. ANY DEADLINES 

PROVIDED BY A THON CAPTAIN AS YOUR LIAISON MUST ALSO BE MET. 

THE OVERALL COMMITTEE HAS THE RIGHT TO ISSUE NEW DATES ASIDE 

FROM THE ONES PRESENTED BELOW AND WILL HAVE THEM 

COMMUNICATED TO THE FUNDRAISING ORGANIZATION THROUGH THE 

LIAISON. 

1.5.2. Statement of Rule Awareness and Compliance (SORAAC) 

1.5.2.1. The SORAAC must be signed before participating in any fundraising 

activities. 

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1.5.2.2. All THON Chairs of registered organizations or Independent Dancer 

Couples must submit a digitally signed SORAAC before participating in any 

fundraising activities. Forms can be completed on THINK 

(www.think.psu.edu). This form MUST be signed prior to any fundraising 

activity. 

1.5.2.3. The SORAAC states that each THON Chair has read the Rulebook and 

will make every attempt to ensure that its organization follows the stated rules. 

1.5.2.4. Any organization that fails to complete this form will have one-third of the 

funds raised prior to turning in the form deducted from its organization’s total. 

1.5.2.5. SORAAC NON-COMPLIANCE WILL RESULT IN ORGANIZATION’S 

GAIN OF FOUR (4) POINTS 

1.5.2.5.1. Penalties associated with four (4) points include: meeting with 

appropriate member(s) of the Overall Committee, loss of Floor Pass(es) 

for THON Weekend, loss of Dancer Couple(s) for THON Weekend, loss 

of participation in THON, loss of funds raised. 

1.5.2.5.2. A complete list of points and all associated penalties is available in 

Appendices D and E. 

1.5.3. THON Chair Workshop Sessions 

1.5.3.1. THON Chair Workshops: September 18, 2012 AND January 22, 2013. 

1.5.3.2. **These events are mandatory for all THON Chairs and Independent 

Dancer Couples attending the University Park campus. If a THON Chair is 

unable to attend a Workshop, an alternate member of the student organization 

must take his or her place. NOTE: THON Chairs representing Commonwealth 

Campuses will have the opportunity to receive information addressed at 

THON Chair Workshops during CCSG Council Weekends. 

1.5.3.2.1. If no alternate member attends these workshops, the 

organization will lose two (2) floor passes for THON Weekend. Floor 

passes can be regained if the THON Chair meets with his or her 

Communications liaison by the following dates. 

1.5.3.2.1.1. If you missed Workshop #1 - you must meet with your 

Communications Liaison by November 15, 2012. 

1.5.3.2.1.2. If you missed Workshop #2 – you must meet with your 

Communications Liaison by February 2, 2013. 

1.5.4. Monthly Fundraising Reports 

1.5.4.1. Monthly Organization Fundraising Reports (these are NOT Family 

Relations Bi-Weekly Reports) – These are mandatory reports that must be 

completed by at least one of the organization’s THON Chairs. These reports 

will be available on THINK and reviewed by your Communications and Donor 

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and Alumni Relations Liaisons. The deadlines and penalties/incentives are 

listed below: 

1.5.4.2. Deadlines: 

1.5.4.2.1. September Fundraising Report – Due October 1, 2012 by 

11:59pm* 

1.5.4.2.2. October Fundraising Report – Due November 1, 2012 by 11:59pm 

1.5.4.2.3. November Fundraising Report – Due December 1, 2012 by 

11:59pm 

1.5.4.2.4. December Fundraising Report – Due January 1, 2012 by 11:59pm 

1.5.4.2.5. January Fundraising Report – Due February 1, 2012 by 11:59pm 

1.5.4.2.5.1. *The September Fundraising Report will have a 24-hour 

window period following the deadline when the report will still be 

accepted as on time. This window period will only occur for the 

September report. All other reports will be held to their hard 

deadline with no exceptions. 

1.5.4.3. Penalties & Incentives: 

1.5.4.3.1. Complete 5/5 Reports – Organization is entered into a lottery to 

win one 42-hour pass for THON 2013 

1.5.4.3.2. Complete 4/5 Reports – No penalty 

1.5.4.3.3. Complete 3/5 Reports – Loss of one General Pass for THON 

2013 

1.5.4.3.4. Complete 2/5 Reports – Loss of two General Passes for THON 


1.5.4.3.5. Complete 1/5 Reports – 5% reduction in organization’s THON 

2013 total 

1.5.4.3.6. Complete 0/5 Reports – Loss of one dancer couple for THON 

2014 

1.5.5. Adopt-A-Family (AAF) Program 

1.5.5.1. Participation in the Adopt-A-Family (AAF) program is optional. In order to 

participate, the following requirements must be fulfilled: 

1.5.5.1.1. Complete Applications by Friday, September 27, 2012, at 5pm. 

Application can be found on THINK (www.think.psu.edu) 

1.5.5.1.2. Attend the following workshops: 

AAF Workshop #1 – Thursday, September 20, 2012 

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AAF Workshop #2 – Thursday, October 11, 2012 

AAF Workshop #3 – Monday, November 12 - Friday, 

November 16, 2012 (organizations are only required to attend one 

night of the five) 

AAF Workshop #4 – Monday, January 14 - Thursday, 

January 17, 2013 (organizations are only required to attend one 

night of the five) 

AAF Workshop #5 – Thursday, January 31, 2013 

1.5.5.1.3. Complete the bi-weekly Family Relations Report 

1.5.5.1.3.1. A Family Relations AAF Liaison will provide schedule of 

report deadlines. 

1.5.5.2. If you have any questions regarding the Adopt-A-Family program, please 

contact Overall Family Relations Chairperson, Sarah Miele 

(family.relations@thon.org). 

1.5.6. Organization Info Sessions 

1.5.6.1. Organization may hold information sessions for themselves as an 

organization benefitting THON. 

1.5.6.2. These events should be named “Organization X Benefitting THON 

Information Session” and not “THON Information Session.” 

1.6. Four Diamonds Recycling Effort Regulations (4DRE) 

1.6.1. The mission of the Four Diamonds Recycling Effort is to spread environmental 

awareness while fundraising for the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. 

1.6.1.1. Organizations, Commonwealth Campuses, and THON Committees are 

encouraged to participate. 

1.6.1.2. All participants must register on THINK in order to receive a 4DRE 

number and to be considered for incentive shifts THON weekend. 

1.6.2. Bag Collection 

1.6.2.1. Bags should only be dropped off in the designated 4DRE collection sites 

listed below. 

1.6.2.1.1. Brill Hall (Eastview Terrace), Nittany Hall, Warring Commons 

(West Halls), Hastings Hall (East Halls), Hammond Building. 

1.6.2.1.2. Signs will be located near dumpsters for recycling drop offs. 

1.6.2.2. Only official 4DRE bags are valid for submission. 

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1.6.2.3. Bags will only be credited towards your organization or committee if you 

have a sticker with your organization number on the bag. 

1.6.2.4. A bag may only contain plastics or aluminum cans, not a mix of both. 

1.6.2.4.1. Aluminum must not be crushed. 

1.6.2.4.2. Plastics must be #1-7 type plastics. 

1.6.2.5. Recycling should NEVER be taken from residence halls or campus 

buildings. If this is discovered, your organization will be disqualified and will 

not receive any incentive for THON weekend. 

1.6.3. Incentives 

1.6.3.1. Incentives for the most bags submitted for Committees, Organizations, 

and Commonwealth Campuses will be awarded. There will be one winner per 

category. 

1.6.3.2. Each winner will receive either: 

1.6.3.2.1. Slides of Strength Floor Pass 

1.6.3.2.2. A Line Dance on stage during THON Weekend 

1.7. Ethical Considerations 

1.7.1. All organizations that choose to participate in any fundraising activities are 

expected to make the appropriate arrangements to cover expenses. Organizations 

are encouraged to keep expenses to a minimum. The Overall Committee does 

not condone using money from any solicitation method to pay for gas, food, 

or any other related costs. Canister solicitation funds used to pay for any trip 

or organization expense is strictly prohibited. The goal of each group should 

be to maximize its contribution to The Four Diamonds Fund; the more money 

raised, the more money will be available to assist the children and their families 

who benefit from The Four Diamonds Fund. The members of the organization 

should exercise caution to prevent abuses. Any activity or event that is meant to 

support THON must remain appropriate for a THON family to witness at all times. 

1.7.2. Any organization found to be using money from solicitation to cover 

expenses will gain four (4) points. A complete list of points and all associated 

penalties is available in Appendices D and E. 

1.8. Interaction with Minors 

1.8.1. Penn State Dance Marathon will act in accordance to the policies set in place for 

Minors involved in University-Sponsored Programs (Reference University Policy 

AD39 for more information). 

1.8.2. All acting Family Relations THON Chairs and/or Primary THON Chairs who have 

direct contact with minors are required to attend a mandatory training session, 

which will be included during AAF Workshop #2. This Training Workshop will 

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include information about responsibilities and expectations, policies, procedures, 

enforcement, appropriate crisis/emergency responses, and safety and security 

precautions when interacting with the Four Diamonds minors. A sponsoring 

organization, committee, volunteer, or student interacting with a minor in the THON 

setting without parental or legal guardian attendance, must: 

1.8.2.1. Establish a procedure for the notification of the minor's parent/legal 

guardian in case of an emergency, including medical or behavioral problem, 

natural disasters, or other significant program disruptions; this most 

importantly includes the exchange of emergency contact information. 

1.8.3. The organization must especially be made aware of the guidelines listed in Penn 

State University Policy AD-39. This Document can be found here. 

1.8.4. THON Volunteers must make all reasonable efforts to ensure the safety of 

minors participating in programs and activities related to THON and the Four 

Diamonds Fund. 

1.8.4.1. These guidelines are set forth to ensure the safety and protection of all 

minors involved with Penn State Dance Marathon and the Four Diamonds 

Fund. Anyone found in violation of these rules will be referred to the Office of 

Student Conduct and/or Student Organization Conduct Committee and face 

consequences from the Overall Committee. For more information or if you 

have any questions regarding this policy, please contact the Overall Family 

Relations Chairperson, Sarah Miele (family.relations@thon.org). 

2.0 FUNDRAISING 

2.1. FORCED FUNDRAISING 

2.1.1. All fundraising on behalf of THON by any organization is strictly voluntary. 

Any individual may wish to participate or not to participate in fundraising 

activities. Any organizations found to be requiring members to fundraise on 

behalf of THON will gain a minimum of eight (8) points. Penalties associated 

with eight (8) points include: meeting with the appropriate member(s) of the 

Overall Committee, loss of funds from given occasion, 10% deduction of 

THON 2013 total, potential loss of pass(es), potential loss of dancer 

couple(s), potential loss of participation in THON. 

2.1.1.1. To report forced fundraising anonymously, visit the Comments 

section of www.thon.org to submit information. 

2.1.2. SOLICITATION BEGINS AT 7AM ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2012 AND 

ENDS AT 11:59PM ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2013. 

2.1.2.1. Money will still be accepted until 11:59am Sunday, February 17, 2013 

that will be included in THON 2013 total but, cannot be credited towards 

organizations. 

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2.1.3. This time period, hereafter referred to as the FUNDRAISING WINDOW, is the 

time period in which organizations may collect solicitations for THON that can be 

credited toward their organization total. This includes cash and check donations, 

online donations, Fundraising Events, Letter Drives, Solicitation Cards and Small 

Business and Corporate Donations. The purpose of this window is to protect 

THON’s donors from excessive contact and to promote fairness during the 

fundraising season. For questions about organization fundraising totals, 

please contact the Finance Assistant Treasurers (treasurer@thon.org). 

2.2. METHODS OF FUNDRAISING 

2.2.1. ALL ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS THAT PARTICIPATE IN 

FUNDRAISING ARE TO ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES SET 

FORTH BY THE PENN STATE IFC/PANHELLENIC DANCE MARATHON. 

2.2.2. CANISTER SOLICITATION (CANNING) 

2.2.2.1. Solicitation with posters and canisters provided by the Overall Committee 

may occur only on the listed fundraising weekends. The materials provided by 

the Overall Committee must be used while conducting canister solicitation. At 

no other time may any organization or individual participate in canister 

solicitation without proper permission from the Overall Committee. Solicitation 

may begin at 7am on Friday of the fundraising weekend and must end Sunday 

at 5pm. Solicitation must end by dusk throughout the weekend. 

2.2.2.2. Valid Canister Solicitation Dates: 

2.2.2.2.1. **Please keep in mind that any solicitation weekend may be 

cancelled due to inclement weather that could be dangerous to those 

participating. 

2.2.2.2.2. September 28-30, 2012 

2.2.2.2.3. October 19-21, 2012 

2.2.2.2.4. November 9-11, 2012 

2.2.2.2.5. **Canister Solicitation at any other time is STRICTLY 

PROHIBITED and will result in immediate penalization. Any organization 

that participates in canister solicitation outside of the fundraising 

weekend will gain six (6) points. Penalties associated with six (6) points 

include: meeting with appropriate member(s) of the Overall Committee, 

100% loss of funds raised from given occasion, loss of pass(es), loss of 

dancer couple(s), 5% deduction of THON 2013 total. A complete list of 

points and all associated penalties is available in Appendices D and E. 

2.2.2.3. CANNING WORKSHOP ATTENDANCE 

2.2.2.3.1. All individuals who wish to participate in canister solicitation are 

required to attend one (1) canning workshop session prior to participating 

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in canister solicitation. All attendees must bring their Penn State Student 

ID card to the workshop session. Attendees are required to watch a 

presentation on safe canning procedures, after which they will sign an 

online consent form and present their student ID to verify their identity. 

2.2.2.3.1.1. Canning Workshops will be held the week before each 

Canning Weekend. Details will be announced via the THON Chair 

Update emails. 

2.2.2.3.2. Any organization or committee who is found to have any 

individuals canning without attending a canning workshop session will 

gain seven (7) points. Penalties associated with seven (7) points include: 

meeting with appropriate member(s) of the Overall Committee, loss of 

funds from given occasion, 10% deduction of THON 2013 total, loss of 

pass(es), loss of dancer couple(s). 

2.2.2.4. Alternative Transportation for Canning 

2.2.2.4.1. Buses tickets will be provided in limited quantities to the following 

locations: New York City, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh* 

2.2.2.4.1.1. There will be no cost to organizations for using these 

tickets. 

2.2.2.4.1.2. * Buses to Pittsburgh will only be provided during the 

second Canning Weekend. This is the only weekend canning is 

allowed in the City of Pittsburgh. 

2.2.2.4.2. Organization members can reserve a seat on the buses while 

seats are available via THINK (www.think.psu.edu). 

2.2.2.4.2.1. Once a ticket is reserved, the organization member will be 

contacted by Megabus via email to reserve actual time of departure 

and return. 

2.2.2.4.2.2. Once a ticket is reserved, the member is responsible for 

using that ticket. If it is not used, the organization will be fined the 

amount of the ticket. 

2.2.2.4.3. All policies and procedures of Megabus must be followed by all 

participants utilizing the service. 

2.2.2.4.4. If any participant is found to be using this service for anything 

other than Canister Solicitation, the organization will gain six (6) points. 

Penalties associated with six (6) points include: meeting with appropriate 

member(s) of the Overall Committee, 100% loss of funds from given 

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occasion, 5% deduction of THON 2013 total, loss of pass(es), loss of 

dancer couple(s). A complete list of points and all associated penalties 

is available in Appendices D and E. 

2.2.2.4.5. If a person who is not affiliated with any organization utilizes this 

service for anything other than Canister Solicitation, they will be banned 

from this service for the remainder of the THON year. 

2.2.2.5. Pre-Canning Procedure 

2.2.2.5.1. REGISTERING CANNING TRIPS 

2.2.2.5.1.1. Every location at which an organization plans on soliciting 

for each fundraising weekend must be registered by Friday at 

11:59pm of each fundraising weekend. This includes locations that 

do not require a permit from the municipality. The appropriate form 

can be found on THINK (www.think.psu.edu) through the “Canning 

Registration” link. All Trip Leader information must be filled out. 

2.2.2.5.1.2. Organizations MUST sign up for a Canning Drop-Off time 

on THINK through “Canning Drop-Off Sign Up” link by Friday at 

11:59pm of each fundraising weekend. 

2.2.2.5.1.2.1. Failure to comply with these rules will result in the gain of 

four (4) points. Penalties associated with four (4) points 

include: meeting with appropriate member(s) of the Overall 

Committee, loss of Floor Pass(es) for THON Weekend, loss of 

Dancer Couple(s) for THON Weekend, loss of participation in 

THON, loss of funds raised. 

2.2.2.5.2. ORGANIZATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO CONTACT LOCAL 

MUNICIPALITIES IN THE DESIRED CANNING LOCATION PRIOR TO 

SOLICITATION. 

2.2.2.5.2.1. Organizations are only permitted to solicit funds in areas 

that allow canister solicitation. It is the responsibility of the THON 

Chair to ensure that all relevant areas allow canister solicitation. 

2.2.2.5.2.2. ORGANIZATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN ANY 

PERMITS FOR FUNDRAISING IN COMMUNITIES THAT 

REQUIRE THEM. 

2.2.2.5.2.3. A detailed list of popular canning locations with phone 

numbers is listed on THON.org 

2.2.2.5.3. Persons participating in canister solicitation must use official 

THON 2013 can wraps and signs, as provided during Materials 

Distribution sessions. Once acquired, organizations MUST write their 

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ORGANIZATION’S FULL NAME on every sign. If it is an Independent 

Dancer Couple, BOTH NAMES must appear on the signs. Materials will 

ONLY be provided during the following times: 

2.2.2.5.3.1. September 26-28 10am-5pm; 327 HUB 

2.2.2.5.3.2. October 17-19 10am-5pm; 327 HUB 

2.2.2.5.3.3. November 7-9 10am-5pm; 327 HUB 

2.2.2.5.4. Persons participating in canister solicitation MUST have 

names VISIBLE while canning. Failure to do so will result in the 

gain of two (2) points. Penalties associated with two (2) points include 

meeting with the appropriate member(s) of the Overall Committee, 5% 

deduction of funds raised during given occasion. A complete list of points 

and all associated penalties is available in Appendices D and E. 

2.2.2.5.5. All persons who choose to solicit for THON are required to carry 

their Penn State IDs. Persons choosing to solicit are also encouraged 

to display their IDs, along with any other item displaying Penn State 

and/or THON. Reflective clothing is strongly encouraged. 

2.2.2.6. Proper Canning Procedure 

2.2.2.6.1. While canning, Penn State students are an extension of the Penn 

State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. As such, all participants are 

expected to present themselves in a professional manner and abide by 

all state and local laws within the area in which they are soliciting. 

2.2.2.6.2. ALL VEHICLE CODES OF THE STATE IN WHICH YOU ARE 

SOLICITING MUST BE FOLLOWED. Please see Appendix B for a 

detailed list of states and their respective vehicle codes. Any 

organization found in violation of this rule will gain seven (7) points. 

Penalties associated with seven (7) points include: meeting with 

appropriate member(s) of the Overall Committee, loss of funds from 

given occasion, 10% deduction of THON 2013 total, loss of pass(es), 

loss of dancer couple(s), loss of participation in THON. A complete list of 


2.2.2.6.3. SUGGESTED PROCEDURE WHEN OTHER STUDENTS ARE 

SEEN CANNING IN VIOLATION OF VEHICLE CODES OR WHEN 

STUDENTS ARE NOT PRESENTING THEMSELVES IN A 

PROFESSIONAL AND COURTEOUS MANNER: 

2.2.2.6.3.1. Approach those who are canning improperly, remind them 

of THON’s policy, and politely ask them to correct their behavior. 

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2.2.2.6.3.2. If the problem persists: 


2.2.2.6.3.2.1. Call 1-800-392-THON any time during the weekend to 

report the incident. Please note the organization’s name. 

2.2.2.6.3.2.2. Take a photograph on any available cell phone and send it 

to the Overall Rules and Regulations Chairperson at 

fundraising.safety@thon.org. If no cell phone is available, use 

a camera and email photos as soon as possible. 

2.2.2.6.3.2.3. This will result in sanctions from the Overall Committee, as 

outlined in Appendices D and E. 

2.2.2.6.4. PROCEDURE WHEN MULTIPLE ORGANIZATIONS ARE 

CANNING IN THE SAME AREA. 

2.2.2.6.4.1. Any organization holding a permit and with canning trip 

registration to solicit funds in a given area has the right to 

exclusively solicit funds there. 

2.2.2.6.4.1.1. For example, if organization A is canning, and 

organization B arrives and presents a valid permit for 

solicitation in the area in question and has also registered that 

location, organization A must leave unless it presents a valid 

permit. 

2.2.2.6.4.2. If two organizations present a valid permit for solicitation and 

both have registered the location of the area in question, the first 

organization on the scene has the right to stay and solicit alone. 

2.2.2.6.4.3. If a permit is not required for a particular location, the first 

organization on the premises, which has registered that location, 

has a right to solicitation. If an organization presents a permit for a 

location, that group has the right to solicitation, even if a permit is 

not required and regardless of who arrived first. 

2.2.2.6.4.4. Organizations should be mindful of already registered 

corners, storefronts, and streets when organizing their trips. Those 

organizations that register their trips for the same location are 

encouraged to handle the situation between the two organizations 

(i.e. sharing locations, etc.). Registered canning trips can be 

viewed on THINK by viewing the provided map. 

2.2.2.6.5. If, for any reason, the police ask you or members of your 

organization to leave a certain location or locations, please contact the 

THON Office so that the proper steps can be taken to inform others 

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Rulebook 


canning in the area that this may not be an ideal location to continue 

canning. 

2.2.2.6.5.1. There is an anonymous incident report system that can be 

used to submit incidents to the THON Office so that the appropriate 

steps may be taken. This submission box can be found on THINK 

(www.think.psu.edu). 

2.2.2.6.6. If at any time it is necessary to contact the police, all are well 

within their rights to do so. We do insist that you call our office as well, so 

that we can track the incident and also assign an effective organizational 

penalty. 

2.2.2.6.7. ANY USE OF ALCOHOL OR ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES WHILE 

CANNING OR WHILE DRIVING TO YOUR DESTINATION IS 

ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED. CANNING IN OR IN FRONT OF BARS 

OR STORES SELLING ALCOHOL IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Any 

organization found in violation of this rule will gain six (6) points. 

Penalties associated with six (6) points include: meeting with appropriate 

member(s) of the Overall Committee, loss of funds from given occasion, 

5% deduction of THON 2013 total, loss of pass(es), loss of dancer 

couple(s). A complete list of points and all associated penalties is 


2.2.2.6.8. IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN TO SOLICIT FUNDS FROM THE 

MEDIAN OF A ROADWAY, ALONG SIDE A ROADWAY THAT DOES 

NOT HAVE A SIDEWALK, A TRAFFIC CIRCLE, OR A HIGHWAY OFF- 

RAMP. Any organization found in violation of this rule will gain seven (7) 

points. Penalties associated with seven (7) points include: meeting with 

appropriate member(s) of the Overall Committee, loss of funds from 

given occasion, 10% deduction of THON 2013 total, loss of pass(es), 

loss of dancer couple(s). A complete list of points and all associated 


2.2.2.6.9. For storefront solicitation, manager approval is needed to solicit 

funds at each location. 

2.2.2.6.10. At no time may a student be soliciting funds alone. All volunteers 

must be with at least one other individual at all times while actively 

fundraising. 

2.2.2.6.11. Canister Solicitation on Penn State University property, including 

Beaver Stadium, is strictly forbidden. Any organization found in violation 

of this rule will gain six (6) points. Penalties associated with six (6) points 

include: meeting with appropriate member(s) of the Overall Committee, 

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Rulebook 


loss of funds from given occasion, 5% deduction of THON 2013 total, 

loss of pass(es), loss of dancer couple(s). A complete list of points and 

all associated penalties is available in Appendices D and E. 

2.2.2.6.11.1. THON Committees will be canning at the Penn State 

Football Game Featuring THON. Absolutely no organizations 

or independent dancer couples may can during this event. All 

donations collected will be a general donation to THON. 

2.2.2.6.12. Please contact the Overall Rules and Regulations Chairperson, 

Mike Wellner, with any questions (rules.regulations@thon.org) 

2.2.2.7. POST CANNING PROCEDURE 

2.2.2.7.1. Proceeds from canister solicitations must be brought to the THON 

Finance Committee on the Monday during your assigned Canning Drop- 

Off time following each Canning Weekend. All money to be credited to 

an organization must be turned in at one time. 

2.2.2.7.2. Bills must be separated by denomination. If bills are wet, they 

must be dried before being brought to Canning Drop-Off. 

2.2.2.7.3. Coins may be brought in cans (separated from bills) without being 

separated among themselves. ALL FOREIGN OBJECTS (SCREWS, 

PAPER CLIPS, ETC.) MUST BE REMOVED FROM COINS BEFORE 

TURNING THEM IN. 

2.2.2.7.3.1. All organizations found in violation of these rules will gain 

two (2) points. Penalties associated with two points include meeting 

with Appropriate Member(s) of the Overall Committee and/or 

Captain Committee and a 5% deduction in funds raised from given 

occasion. A complete list of points and all associated penalties is 


2.2.2.7.4. If money is not turned in to the Finance Committee at Canning 

Drop-Offs, the organization will gain two (2) points for each day the 

money is late. Penalties associated with two (2) points include: a 

meeting with the appropriate member(s) of the Overall Committee, 5% 

deduction of funds raised at given occasion. A complete list of points 


2.2.2.7.4.1. Please contact the Overall Finance Chairperson, Jen Stipa 

(finance@thon.org) with any questions. 

2.2.2.7.5. Following each canning trip, the organization must complete the 

“Post-Canning Report” form for each trip within 10 days after the end of 

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Rulebook 


the fundraising weekend. This form can be found on THINK 

(www.think.psu.edu). 

2.2.2.7.6. Organizations’ canning totals will be posted on THINK the Sunday 

following each Canning Drop-Off and will be viewable by each THON 

Chair. If you have any questions regarding these postings, contact 

Overall Finance Chairperson, Jen Stipa (finance@thon.org). 

2.2.2.8. SANCTIONS FOR ILLEGAL SOLICITATION: ORGANIZATIONS WILL 

BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR SOLICITING FUNDS ILLEGALLY. THIS 

INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO: CANNING AND CANVASSING ON 

UNIVERSITY PROPERTY (INCLUDING BEAVER STADIUM) AND CANNING 

ILLEGALLY (WITHOUT A PERMIT OR IN VIOLATION OF THE APPLICABLE 

VEHICLE CODES). 

2.2.2.8.1. Either the Overall Committee or the local authorities must confirm 

all allegations. 

2.2.2.8.2. Organizations soliciting illegally will be held accountable based on 

a point system. 

2.2.2.8.3. Penalties will be based on the number of points an organization 

has accumulated. EXAMPLE: Organizations found canning unsafely or 

illegally will gain seven (7) points. Penalties associated with seven (7) 

points include: meeting with appropriate member(s) of the Overall 

Committee, loss of funds from given occasion, 10% deduction of THON 

2013 total, loss of pass(es), loss of dancer couple(s). A complete list of 


2.2.2.8.4. All THON Committees that are found to be canning illegally 

will lose one (1) incentive pass for each occurrence. 

2.2.3. CANVASSING 

2.2.3.1. This type of fundraising may be accomplished by means of THON 

solicitation cards that communicate THON’s message and encourage 

potential donors to donate online. 

2.2.3.2. Solicitation Cards are the only approved materials for canvassing 

2.2.3.2.1. Organizations are encouraged to bring a general envelope or 

extra THONvelope with which to collect any donations. 

2.2.3.2.2. Canning materials such as cans and signs are strictly 

forbidden while canvassing. 

2.2.3.2.3. Canvassing can only be done during daylight hours 

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2.2.3.2.4. All Materials for Canvassing can be picked up during the Materials 

Distribution times listed above, or from 210 HUB during normal office 

hours (9am – 5pm, Monday - Friday). 

2.2.3.2.5. All organizations are allowed up to 250 free solicitation cards. 

2.2.3.3. SOLICITATION CARDS CANNOT BE PLACED IN MAILBOXES FOR 

ANY REASON. THIS IS IN VIOLATION OF FEDERAL LAW AND WILL 

RESULT IN ORGANIZATIONAL PENALTIES. 

2.2.3.4. Cash and check donations may also be collected while canvassing; 

however, collecting credit card information while canvassing is ILLEGAL 

AND STRICTLY PROHIBITED and will be punishable by the Overall 

Committee. 

2.2.3.5. Individuals may not solicit donations from any Centre County area 

business without prior approval of the Overall Committee. 

2.2.3.6. Unlike canister solicitation, door-to-door canvassing with THON 

solicitation cards IS PERMITTED. 

2.2.3.7. Please note that many organizations will canvass Centre County ON 

September 28, and that canvassing in Centre County after that date is 

discouraged. 

2.2.3.8. Organizations must keep safety as a top priority during canvassing. The 

Overall Committee reserves the right to withdraw the use of canvassing as a 

means of fundraising for THON at any time. 

2.2.4. CORPORATE SPONSORS 

2.2.4.1. Small Business and Corporate Sponsors: THON requires that a New 

Company Contact Request form be filled out on THINK prior to contacting 

any small business or corporation. Contact Overall Donor and Alumni 

Relations Chairperson, Michael Ringenbach 

(donor.alumni.relations@thon.org) with any questions. 

2.2.4.1.1. This request can be found on THINK (http://www.think.psu.edu) 

under the request donations box tab. 

2.2.4.1.2. Solicitation of Small Business and Corporate Donors may only be 

made inside the Fundraising Window, unless approved by the Overall 

Rules and Regulations Chairperson, Mike Wellner and the Overall Donor 

and Alumni Relations Chairperson, Michael Ringenbach. 

2.2.4.1.2.1. If an organization has registered a Corporate Donor that 

donated to THON and credited that organization during the THON 

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2011 or THON 2012 year, they are permitted to contact that donor 

prior to the fundraising window. 

2.2.4.1.2.1.1. If a Corporate Donor was contacted but did not donate and 

credit the organization, they can be contacted by any 

organization within the fundraising window. 

2.2.4.1.2.2. If a donation box will be placed at a place of business, this 

request form can be made when filing a New Company Contact. 

2.2.4.1.2.2.1. A New Donation Box request form must be filled out for 

each donation box, even if they are located in the same 

shopping center/mall. 

2.2.4.1.2.3. Money raised from donation boxes must be turned in to the 

THON Office at 210 HUB no more than 10 days after the 

fundraising event. 

2.2.4.1.3. After gaining approval, the organization will make arrangements 

with the assigned Donor and Alumni Relations liaison to determine who 

will manage all contacts for the duration leading up to Dance Marathon. 

Should your organization choose to retain the duty of maintaining the 

contact, you must keep your Donor and Alumni Relations liaison 

informed of all relevant developments. All donations received from 

donors must be issued directly to Penn State Dance Marathon, 210 

HUB, University Park, PA 16802 with the organization name and 

number in the memo so that the organization can receive proper credit. 

2.2.4.1.4. Local (Centre County) Company Sponsors 

2.2.4.1.4.1. No group may solicit Centre County or State College 

businesses. The ONLY exception to this is if a member or alumni 

of the organization currently works at the business. In that case, 

the organization must notify the Overall Donor and Alumni Relations 

Chairperson, Michael Ringenbach, PRIOR to the first contact. 

Additionally, the New Company Contact form must be completed on 

THINK. Once this form has been approved, contact can be 

initiated. This contact CANNOT be initiated PRIOR to September 

28 th , 2012. 

2.2.4.1.5. Corporate and Charitable Foundations 

2.2.4.1.5.1. No group may solicit corporate or charitable foundations 

for a donation. Corporate contacts will only be approved if an 

organization has a personal contact with an affiliate of the company 

or foundation. The Donor and Alumni Relations Committee is 

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Rulebook 


responsible for contacting all companies and foundations for which 

there is no contact. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case 

basis, but only after gaining approval from Overall Donor and 

Alumni Relations Chairperson, Michael Ringenbach 

(donor.alumni.relations@thon.org). 

2.2.5. MAIL SOLICITATIONS (THONVELOPE LETTER DRIVES) 

2.2.5.1. Individuals may begin collecting addresses for their letter drive prior to the 

start of the fundraising season. However, letters CANNOT be mailed and 

donations CANNOT be accepted until 7:00am on September 28, 2012. THON 

will provide outgoing and returning THONvelopes to all THON fundraising 

organizations Monday, November 5, 2012, through Friday, November 9, 2012. 

The first 250 THONvelopes provided by each organization will be mailed with 

free postage when submitted to the THON office in 210 HUB during 

THONvelope Collection Week, Monday, November 26 th , 2012 through 

Thursday, November 29, 2012. Additionally, if an Organization meets with its 

liaison prior to THONvelope Collection week, THON will mail another 25 

THONvelopes on the organization’s behalf. 

2.2.5.2. Please have all letters sent out by mid-January so that the Finance 

Committee can begin to process incoming checks in a timely manner. 

2.2.6. MATCHING GIFTS 

2.2.6.1. Many businesses offer matching gift programs to encourage their 

employees to support organizations such as THON. Prior to contacting any 

business, please contact the Overall Donor and Alumni Relations 

Chairperson, Michael Ringenbach (donor.alumni.relations@thon.org). 

2.2.6.2. To ensure proper credit for a matching gift donation to your organization, 

please attach the ORIGINAL check (made out to Penn State Dance 

Marathon) to the BLANK matching gift form provided by the company 

donating to THON, place both in an envelope separate from other checks, and 

return to Overall Finance Chairperson, Jen Stipa in 210 HUB. Please record 

the check information for your organization’s records and verification. The 

check will be sent to University Development for processing. 

2.2.6.3. Organization members are not permitted to complete matching forms. 

PLEASE NOTE: All singular donations of $10,000 and over presented on 

behalf of an organization must be presented in the form of a cashier’s 

check. 

2.2.7. ALTERNATIVE FUNDRAISERS 

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2.2.7.1. All Alternative Fundraising Events, which are defined as any type of 

fundraising event other than canister, corporate, mail, or online solicitation 

must be registered on THINK (www.think.psu.edu). 

2.2.7.2. All Alternative Fundraisers must be held within the Fundraising 

Window. 

2.2.7.2.1. All requests must be submitted by February 1, 2013 at the 

latest. Anything submitted after this date will be denied. 

2.2.7.2.2. No Alternative fundraisers may take places after February 12, 

2013. 

2.2.7.3. Organizations may contact donors starting on September 15, 2012, 

In which case they must submit the new donor request form found on 

the Alternative Fundraiser Registration page. 

2.2.7.3.1. NOTE: only donors for alternative fundraisers may be 

contacted starting on this date. All other donors may be contacted 

starting September 28, 2012. 

2.2.7.4. Registration is accomplished by completing the form provided online on 

THINK under the ‘Request Fundraiser’ link. Failure to register an 

Alternative Fundraiser will result in the gain of five (5) points. Penalties 

associated with five (5) points include: meeting with appropriate member(s) of 

the Overall Committee, 100% loss of funds raised at given occasion, loss of 

pass(es), loss of dancer couple(s). A complete list of points and all associated 


2.2.7.4.1. All Alternative Fundraising event requests must be submitted on 

THINK at least 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE EVENT or they will be 

immediately denied. 

2.2.7.4.1.1. Organizations are able to edit all alternative fundraisers up 

until the time when the request is either denied or approved. 

2.2.7.4.2. When submitting an Alternative Fundraiser Request, be sure to 

include absolutely all details of the fundraiser in a THOROUGH 

description. Any request that does not contain the necessary detail will 

require a revision to the request and will delay the approval process. 

2.2.7.5. The nature and name of the event must be THON appropriate. If it would 

not be appropriate for a Four Diamonds Family to attend, it should not be 

submitted. 

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2.2.7.5.1. The primary focus of an alternative fundraiser event cannot be the 

sale, distribution or consumption of alcohol, nor can any funds received 

from alcohol be donated to THON. 

2.2.7.6. Bake Sale Regulations 

2.2.7.6.1. Bake sales are not allowed to take place on any Penn State 

Campus due to University Policy. 

2.2.7.6.1.1. All Bake Sales submitted on Campuses will be immediately 

denied. 

2.2.7.6.2. For bake sales occurring in State College, the document on 

www.thon.org/documents titled “Bake Sale Application” must be 

completed at least seven (7) days before the event. 

2.2.7.6.2.1. These forms must be submitted on THINK as well as 

emailed to costromecki@statecollegepa.us 

2.2.7.6.2.2. These forms require that you contact and attain signatures 

from any business where the bake sale will occur. 

2.2.7.6.2.3. All organizations are required to abide by all laws for the 

handling of food set forth by the Department of Health of the 

Borough of State College. 

2.2.7.6.2.4. All bake sales must end by 10pm. 

2.2.7.7. University Ticketing Services 

2.2.7.7.1. If your organization is selling tickets using University Ticketing 

Services, you must work with ASA for the opening and closing of the 

ticket account. 

2.2.7.7.2. All funds from the ticket sales must be turned in to ASA and the 

account must be closed. 

2.2.7.7.3. Once the account is closed, ASA will arrange payment to THON 

for the Alternative Fundraiser. 

2.2.7.8. THON may not be used in the name of the event (i.e. “THON Bakesale”) 

but may be used in concurrence (i.e. “Bakesale benefiting THON”) 

2.2.7.9. All alternative fundraisers that are utilizing a percentage of the 

restaurant’s sales must have at least 15% of the sales donated to THON. 

2.2.7.9.1. Note that this cannot be 15% of profit, it must be at least 15% of 

sales. 

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2.2.7.10. The location of the fundraiser must be stated as specifically as possible. 

2.2.7.10.1. No alternative fundraiser may be held at the same dining 

establishment within two weeks of another alternative fundraiser. If the 

requested date is within two weeks, the request will be sent back to the 

organization’s THON Chair. 

2.2.7.10.2. No fundraising is allowed on or around BJC or Beaver Stadium 

property. 

2.2.7.11. The contact person MUST be the organization’s THON Chair and they 

must use a Penn State email address. 

2.2.7.12. All advertising (including flyers, banners, press releases etc.) must be 

submitted with the Alternative Fundraiser Request. There are fields to upload 

images as well as a text box to describe IN DETAIL all plans for advertising. 

2.2.7.12.1. No advertisement is permitted before September 15 th , 2012 

without approval from the Overall Public Relations Chairperson, Cat 

Powers, or Overall Rules and Regulations Chairperson, Mike Wellner. 

2.2.7.12.2. It is strictly prohibited to print any advertising before approval from 

the Public Relations Committee. 

2.2.7.12.3. All Advertising Materials should include “benefiting THON” or “For 

The Kids”. 

2.2.7.12.4. Unauthorized use of THON’s logo including the shuttershade, 

FT5K, or any previous logos is prohibited. 

2.2.7.12.5. If an Organization would like any supplies from THON (i.e. 

merchandise, advertisements using THON’s name) they may request 

this while filling out the Fundraiser Request Form. 

2.2.7.13. Merchandise Regulations 

2.2.7.13.1. All t-shirt designs must be approved by the Merchandise Licensing 

Captain by contacting licensing@thon.org. All t-shirts must be made by 

an approved vendor listed in this guide if they have the logo, the word 

THON, FTK, etc. on them. For more information on the sale of 

Merchandise, refer to Section 3.0. 

2.2.7.13.2. All merchandise sales must donate all profit to THON 

2.2.7.13.3. The merchandise must be marked up 15% of the cost in order to 

be approved. 

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2.2.7.14. The new company contact section must be filled out on THINK for every 

company contacted for any type of donation (money, space or time). 

2.2.7.14.1. The form will appear on the screen once if the “yes” option is 

selected in this field. 

2.2.7.15. All fundraisers must have 100% of the proceeds being donated directly to 

THON. 

2.2.7.16. If the event involves gambling, raffling, etc., the organization must obtain 

a Small Games of Chance License from the County Treasurer’s Office. These 

licenses are valid for one year. Please contact the Alternative Fundraising 

Captains (alternative.fundraising@thon.org) for more information. 

2.2.7.16.1. All participants in any gambling or raffle must be at least 18 years 

of age. 

2.2.7.17. If the fundraiser involves any chance of injury (i.e. sports, eating contests, 

marathons, etc.) a physical activity waiver must be signed by all 

participants. This form can be found on www.THON.org under Student 

Documents. 

2.2.7.18. If the fundraiser is being co-sponsored (i.e. two organizations planning 

and holding one fundraiser), a Fundraiser Request AND Post-Fundraiser 

Report must be filled out by a THON Chair from ONE of the organizations 

involved under the same name, and with the name of the co-sponsor included 

in the description. 

2.2.7.19. All funds raised must be submitted with a paper copy of the Post- 

Fundraising Report to the Finance Committee in 210 HUB, no more than 10 

days after the event has taken place. For funds not submitted in person, the 

check must be mailed with the Post-Fundraiser Report and postmarked within 

10 days of the event. If the Post-Fundraiser Report and funds are not 

submitted within this time period, the organization will gain two (2) points. 

Penalties associated with two (2) points include: meeting with the appropriate 

member(s) of the Overall Committee and a 5% deduction of funds raised from 

the give occasion. A complete list of points and all associated penalties is 


2.2.7.19.1. The amount raised is the TOTAL amount obtained throughout the 

fundraiser. 

2.2.7.19.2. The material cost is the TOTAL amount of money spent on 

organizing and conducting the fundraiser (i.e. advertisement, food, 

renting a room, etc.). 

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2.2.7.19.3. The “successful” section is there to benefit your organization and 

THON in future alternative fundraising endeavors. It is your chance to let 

us AND future THON Chairs know if the fundraiser was worth all of the 

time and effort put into it. 

2.2.7.19.4. The “if anything could be changed” section is your chance to list 

any possible improvements or suggestions for similar alternative 

fundraisers held in the future. 

2.2.7.19.5. This report MUST be submitted by the organization’s THON Chair. 

2.2.7.19.6. NOTE: THON and affiliated fundraising efforts are covered under 

the tax-exempt status of The Pennsylvania State University. All 

contributions and in-kind donations are fully tax-exempt. Federal ID 

Number: 24-6000-376. Tax exempt status: 170(c) - THON and affiliated 

fundraising efforts are covered under the tax-exempt status of The 

Pennsylvania State University. All contributions and in-kind donations 

are fully tax-exempt. Federal ID Number: 24-6000-3. Tax Exempt 

Status: 170(c). Note: Although THON falls under the University’s taxexempt 

status, and is officially recognized as a 170(c) organization, for 

donation purposes, THON’s tax-exempt status can be recognized as 

equivalent to a 501(c)3 organization. A letter of equivalency and 

additional tax information detailing this can be found on THON.org under 

the Documents section. 

2.2.8. RAFFLE TICKETS 

2.2.8.1. THON raffle tickets will be available for purchase throughout the 

fundraising season. Individuals may purchase tickets and may choose to 

have them credited toward an organization’s total. 

2.2.8.2. In order to be credited toward fundraising organization totals, raffle tickets 

must be purchased by 11:59pm Monday, February 11, 2013. Raffle tickets 

may be purchased during THON Weekend as well but will not be credited 

toward dancer or organizational totals. 

2.2.8.3. Resale of tickets is prohibited. Tickets must be filled out and entered 

into the raffle at point of purchase. 

2.2.8.4. ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THE RAFFLE MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS 

OF AGE. 

2.2.9. IN-KIND DONATIONS 

2.2.9.1. Any in-kind donation solicited by an organization or Captain does not 

result in credit towards the organization’s monetary total. 

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2.2.10. CASH DONATIONS 


2.2.10.1. All cash donations received by an organization and individuals must be 

turned in to the THON Finance Committee in 210 HUB 10am-5pm, Monday 

through Friday. 

2.2.10.2. In order for an organization to be credited, money MUST be submitted in 

an envelope or a sealed zip-lock bag labeled with the organization name and 

number. 

2.2.11. CHECK DONATIONS 

2.2.11.1. All checks received by an individual or an organization must be turned in 

to the THON Finance Committee in 210 HUB 10am-5pm, Monday through 

Friday. 

2.2.11.2. In order for an organization to be credited, all checks turned in MUST 

have the organization name and number in the memo section and must be 

made payable to Penn State Dance Marathon, Penn State, or The Four 


2.2.11.3. If a check is made out to your respective organization, the THON Chair 

must sign the check over to Penn State Dance Marathon by printing “Make 

Payable to THON” and signing his or her own name on the back of the 

check. In order to ensure that checks are credited to THON and to your 

organization, checks MUST be turned in to the THON Office within one (1) 

week of receiving the check. All checks dated in 2012 must be turned in to the 

Finance Committee AS SOON AS THEY ARE RECEIVED, and by January 

18th, 2013 at the latest. It is essential for timely receipting of our donors that 

all 2012 checks are processed in 2012. However, if 2012 checks are received 

in 2013, you should continue to turn them into the THON office, AS SOON AS 

THEY ARE RECEIVED. 

2.2.12. PEER TO PEER GIVING 

2.2.12.1. All content on the pages, should be an appropriate representation of 

THON and the Four Diamonds Fund 

2.2.12.1.1. Content should not contain the following: 

2.2.12.1.1.1. Drugs, alcohol, or similar substances, profanity, 

inappropriate images or references 

2.2.12.1.2. Updates should not include information on Like Drives, Twitter 

THON’s, or any other social media drive that is not approved by THON. 

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2.2.12.1.3. Alternative Fundraisers cannot be mentioned anywhere on the 

pages until approval by THON. 

2.2.12.1.4. Links to Donation Pages may only be posted in appropriate 

forums where it will be upholding the mission of THON and the Four 


2.2.12.1.4.1. At no time may these links be shared on any adult themed 

or inappropriate site. 

2.2.12.1.5. The Overall Committee reserves the right to remove access to 

Donation Pages due to any from of violation or misconduct. 

2.2.12.2. Any questions or comments regarding these rules can contact the Overall 

Rules & Regulations Chairperson, Mike Wellner, at 

rules.regulations@thon.org. 

2.3. COMMONWEALTH CAMPUS REGULATIONS 

2.3.1. Commonwealth Campus Due Dates 

v� Every Friday v� All checks sent to THON Office 

v� Wednesday, 

October 3, 2012 


October 24, 

2012 


November 14, 

2012 


February 13, 


v� Send a check from Canning Weekend #1 to the THON 

Office - balance of Campus Account should be $0 

v� Send a check from Canning Weekend #2 to the THON 


v� Send a check from Canning Weekend #3 to THON 


v� Cut a check with your remaining balance and bring to 

THON Weekend. Give check to a Finance Captain 

only at Gate C on the concourse level of the Bryce 

Jordan Center between 10:00am -11:59pm on 

Saturday, February 16th. In addition, any checks 

received after February 13th, 2013 should be kept and 

turned in with the final check at this time. 

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2.3.1.1. **These checks should be postmarked by Wednesday on the due 

dates above** 

2.3.1.2. Send all checks to the THON Office at: 

Attn: Finance Overall 

210 HUB 

University Park, PA 16802 

2.3.2. Cash Donations: Any cash donation that is received will be deposited into the 

Campus Student Government Account regardless of the source. 

2.3.2.1. On the dates above, Campus Student Government Accounts must be 

cleared. Write a check to Penn State Dance Marathon and send to the 

University Park THON Office. This check should include all respective 

Canning Weekend funds and any other cash donations received. 

2.3.2.2. Fax a copy of your check to the University Park THON Office at (814) 

867-4179 by 5pm each Wednesday following a Canning Weekend. Ensure 

the appropriate cover sheet, provided by your CCSG Finance Captain, is 

properly filled out and enclosed. 

2.3.2.3. Send the original check to the University Park THON Office, postmarked 

by the dates listed above. 

2.3.2.4. If your campus is on the IBIS system, please use the information provided 

by your CCSG Finance Captain on details of how to submit a check request. 

2.3.3. Check Donations 

2.3.3.1. All personal and corporate checks received will be sent to the University 

Park THON Office every Friday. 

2.3.3.2. Depositing check donations (either personal or corporate) into campus 

accounts is strictly prohibited. Violators will gain six (6) points. Penalties 

associated with six (6) points include: meeting with appropriate member(s) of 

the Overall Committee, loss of funds from given occasion, 5% deduction of 

THON 2013 total, loss of pass(es), loss of dancer couple(s). A complete list of 


2.3.3.3. Sending personal and/or corporate check donations to the THON Office 

guarantees that individual donors will be thanked and provided with a receipt 

for tax purposes. 

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2.3.4. Commonwealth Campuses will be treated like any other organization. If a 

campus does not have the minimum funds, $2,600, raised by Dancer 

Registration, it will not receive dancers for THON 2013. 

2.3.4.1. In order to ensure eligibility of dancers for Commonwealth Campuses, the 

minimum amount of money must be delivered to University Park NO LATER 

THAN 5pm ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013 (Last of Dancer 

Registration). No Exceptions. 

2.3.4.2. Any Commonwealth Campus who is in the dancer lottery must have 

all money raised delivered by Monday, January 28, 2013 (the first day of 

dancer registration). 

2.3.5. Commonwealth Campuses are responsible for mailing/faxing their Dancer 

Registration Packet by Dancer Registration. 

2.3.6. Council Weekends: Please note that checks are also to be turned in to the CCSG 

THON Directors during a Council Weekend. Other deadlines still apply, unless a 

request is approved by the Overall Finance Chairperson. 

2.3.7. Independent Dancer Couple Status: Students attending a Penn State 

Commonwealth Campus are eligible to participate as an independent dancer 

couple. To be considered, the minimum amount of money, $2,600, must be 

received by the Overall Finance Chairperson, Jen Stipa by 5pm on Monday, 

January 28, 2013 (the first day of Dancer Registration). No exceptions will be 

made. Independent Dancers from Commonwealth Campuses will be selected 

through the Dancer Lottery. 

2.3.8. PLEASE NOTE: Students attending a Commonwealth Campus are NOT eligible 

to fundraise through any University Park student organizations. Appropriate 

channels of fundraising are through the Commonwealth Campus or as an 

Independent Dancer. 

2.3.9. ATTENTION CAMPUSES ON THE IBIS SYSTEM 

2.3.9.1. Checks on the IBIS system take two weeks to process so you MUST 

follow this procedure to ensure your checks meet the deadlines set forth. 

2.3.9.2. COPY and FAX all personal and canning checks issued to campuses 

using IBIS system to the THON Office by the appropriate deadline. 

2.3.9.3. All personal checks must be copied and faxed by 5pm of each Friday. 

2.3.9.4. All canning check SRFCs must be copied and faxed by 5pm of each 

Wednesday following the fundraising weekend. 

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Rulebook 


2.3.9.5. If this procedure is followed, the Overall Finance Chairperson and 

Finance Captains will have an accurate record of what is being sent to the 

THON Office and can track any problems early so no mistakes are made 

THON Weekend. 

2.3.9.6. If your campus is on the IBIS system, please follow the provided 

guidelines on how to submit a check request. The document will be provided 

to you by the CCSG Finance Captain. If you have any questions, contact 

Overall Finance Chairperson, Jen Stipa (finance@thon.org). 

2.4. Statement of Financial Integrity 

2.4.1. ALL ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS THAT PARTICIPATE IN THON 

ARE TO ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES SET FORTH BY THE 

THON OVERALL COMMITTEE TO PROTECT THE FUNDRAISING INTERESTS 

OF THE PENN STATE IFC/PANHELLENIC DANCE MARATHON, THE 

FOLLOWING GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED: 

2.4.2. Fundraising organizations should elect/appoint a treasurer for the purpose of 

tracking all expenses and income related to THON funds. This person can be 

indicated by selecting the appropriate option on THINK.psu.edu This person must 

carefully record all transactions and keep all pertinent receipts and check amounts 

with corresponding names and dates. 

2.4.3. The THON Overall Committee reserves the right to request the aforementioned 

receipts and/or records when an organization’s finances are in question at any 

time. 

2.4.4. Organizations should have two people present at ALL times during counting and 

depositing of money. In the case of paired organizations, there should be one 

representative from each organization. For unpaired organizations, the 

organization’s treasurer and another executive officer should be present. 

2.4.5. At no time should an organization’s THON solicitations be deposited or 

commingled with its existing account. All cash and check solicitation must be 

turned into the THON Office at 210 HUB. 

2.4.5.1.1. Any organization found depositing solicitations into their existing 

University Associated Student Activities Account will receive two (2) 

points. The penalties associated with two (2) points include: meeting 

with the appropriate member(s) of the Overall Committee, a 5% 

deduction of the funds raised in given occasion. A complete list of points 


2.5. All non-Penn State organizations that are fundraising on behalf of THON are 

required to follow all of the above policies. 

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Rulebook 

3.0 MERCHANDISE 


3.1. USING A COMPANY THAT IS NOT PERMITTED TO PRINT THON MERCHANDISE 

IS ILLEGAL. THERE ARE SIX (6) COMPANIES THAT ARE LICENSED TO SCREEN 

PRINT MERCHANDISE FOR THON. PLEASE CONSULT RYAN PATRICK, THE 

OVERALL MERCHANDISE CHAIRPERSON (merchandise@thon.org) FOR 

ADDITIONAL VENDOR INFORMATION/QUESTIONS. THE LICENSED COMPANIES 

AND THEIR CONTACT INFORMATION ARE LISTED IN APPENDIX C. EXPECT AT 

LEAST A TWO WEEK TURN-AROUND WHEN ORDERING MERCHANDISE FROM 

ONE OF THE LISTED VENDORS. 

3.1.1. The THON Overall Committee and Penn State University appreciate your 

cooperation in following these licensing rules. 

3.2. PROCESS OF ORDERING MERCHANDISE 

3.2.1. All designs must be submitted to licensing@thon.org and approved before being 

submitted to the licensed vendor to print. If an organization is caught printing 

merchandise without design approval or using an unlicensed vendor to print 

merchandise, the organization will gain five (5) points. Penalties associated with 

five (5) points include meeting with appropriate member(s) of the Overall 

Committee, 100% loss of funds raised at given occasion, loss of pass(es), loss of 

dancer couple(s). A complete list of points and all associated penalties is available 

in Appendices D and E. 

3.2.2. Approved company contact information 

Collegiate Pride The Family Clothesline/J&W Interest 

Mike Hawn John Gummo 

mike@collegiateprideinc.com familyclothesline@gmail.com 

3019 Enterprise Dr. 352-B East College Avenue 

State College, PA 16801 State College, PA 16801 

814-237-4377 888-237-1946 

Custom Stuff Old State 

Elizabeth Stephenson Laura Sweeny 

customstuff@comcast.net sales@nittanyemb.com 

240 Claremont Ave. 310 East College Ave. 

State College, PA 16801 State College, PA 16801 

814-234-7833 888-234-1415 

ProActive Sports, Inc. Valley Specialties - Dennis Kormonick 

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Rob Bragonier (Altoona Campus) (Hazleton, Berks, Harrisburg, Lehigh Valley, 

info@proactivesports.com New Kensington, Schuylkill, Wilkes-Barre, 

5910 California Avenue Worthington Scranton and York Campuses only) 

Altoona, PA 16602 vsdlk@ptd.net 

814-943-4651 129 Prospect Road 

Sugarloaf, PA 18249 

570-788-5654 

3.2.3. Using licensed companies ensures that the THON trademark and logo are not 

misused while bringing in funds for THON. Please note that printing any THON 

logo on apparel is strictly prohibited. Examples of logos include the THON 

shutter-shade logo, the THON 2013 theme logo, and any previous THON 

theme logos. 

3.2.3.1. Additionally, at NO TIME may the THON logo be altered in any way. 

Altered logos found on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media sites 

must be taken down immediately. Violators of this rule will be contacted by 

the Public Relations Committee. Contact the Overall Public Relations 

Chairperson, Cat Powers (public.relations@thon.org), with any questions. 

3.2.4. The LAST day to submit an order to our vendors before THON Weekend is 

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2013 in order to ensure that vendors have enough time 

and resources to accommodate your committee or organizational needs. 

3.3. COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENTS 

3.3.1. It is not permissible to use or alter any protected trademark, logo, or icons (i.e. 

Disney characters). 

THINGS TO AVOID APPROVED DESIGN FEATURES 

Quotes from movies FTK/For The Kids 

Slogans Four Diamonds logo 

Brand names THON 

Exact colors from images Year 

Direct copy of characters Organization name 

Anything inappropriate ALTERED images of characters 

Adding elements to an existing trademark Changed colors 

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Rulebook 

Penn State primary mark 


3.3.2. If an organization attempts to submit a design that violates these rules, it will not 

be printed. 

3.4. SELLING MERCHANDISE 

3.4.1. To sell merchandise as an alternative fundraising strategy, groups may only sell 

THON merchandise to their own members. Profit from sales must benefit THON, 

and the fundraiser must take place during the Fundraising Window. 

3.4.1.1. 100% of profit must be donated to THON. 

3.4.1.2. The merchandise must be marked up 15% of the cost in order to be 

approved. 

3.4.2. The yearly THON theme may only be printed on the following products for 

Committee Members or organizations ONLY. These products are limited to: t-shirts 

(short and long-sleeved), sweatshirts, zip-up sweatshirts, sweatpants, pinnies, and 

jerseys. 

3.4.2.1. The sale of any THON or THON-related merchandise to the public and 

online is PROHIBITED. 

3.4.3. Groups may only sell THON merchandise they print through one of the licensed 

vendors; the re-sale of merchandise purchased through the THON Store is 

PROHIBITED. 

3.4.4. Merchandise that does not contain anything related to THON or the Four 

Diamonds Fund may be sold to members outside of your organization. 

3.5. POSSIBLE PENALTIES FOR MERCHANDISE MISCONDUCT 

3.5.1. Penalties for Merchandise Misconduct will be based on a Points System. 

3.5.1.1. EXAMPLE: An organization that uses THON’s name, logo, “For The 

Kids,” THON 5K logo or theme or Four Diamonds logo in an inappropriate 

manner in any form will gain four (4) points. Penalties associated with four (4) 

points include: meeting with appropriate member(s) of the Overall Committee, 

100% loss of funds raised from given occasion, loss of pass(es), loss of 

dancer couple(s). A complete list of points and all associated penalties is 


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Rulebook 

4.0 THON EVENTS 

4.1. Hershey Trips 


4.1.1. Each year, Penn State Children’s Hospital offers tours to all students involved in 

THON. These tours provide a valuable opportunity for Penn State students to 

comprehend the true spirit of THON and observe first-hand the significance of their 

yearlong efforts. While on the tour, students will see the hospital’s in-patient and 

out-patient oncology units, meet a child life specialist, a music therapist, a 

nutritionist, a psychologist, and a social worker, tour the Four Diamonds Pediatric 

Research Institute, and usually have the opportunity to meet a Four Diamonds 

family – the real heart and soul of THON. 

4.1.2. The tours start promptly at 11:00am and end around 3:00pm. Students should 

plan to arrive at Hershey by 10:45am at the absolute latest. Each visitor on the tour 

receives a complimentary meal ticket worth $8.00 for the hospital’s cafeteria. 

Parking is free. Students must arrange with professors in advance if they will be 

missing class. Excuse notes will not be provided. 

4.1.3. Students are representing THON and should dress appropriately. They are to 

wear their organization’s THON T-shirt, sweatshirt or other THON apparel with 

Khaki pants and closed toed shoes. No sweatpants, sleeveless shirts, jeans, 

shorts, or short skirts, tennis shoes, or sandals are to be worn. 

4.1.4. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the 

Hospital. It is approximately a two-hour trip from State College. Directions to 

Hershey can be found on the THON website. 

4.1.4.1. Upon arrival at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center, follow the green 

signage for Parking Lot G and the University Physicians Center. Enter via the 

main lobby of the University Physicians Center. A Four Diamonds 

Representative will be there to meet you. Please call the Four Diamonds 

office at 717-531-6086 if you have any questions. 

4.1.4.1.1. NOTE: THIS INFORMATION WILL CHANGE WHEN THE NEW 

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL BUILDING OPENS IN DECEMBER 2012. AN 

UPDATE WILL BE PROVIDED. 

4.1.5. RULES FOR HERSHEY TRIPS 

4.1.5.1. Any organization may apply for a reservation to visit the Penn State 

Children’s Hospital. 

4.1.5.2. Your organization must have at least eight (8) people and no more than 

twelve (12) people in order to reserve a spot. In addition, a tour can be made 

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Rulebook 


up of a combination of organizations but if there are still fewer than eight (8) 

people for a tour, the tour must be cancelled. 

4.1.5.3. Applications will be available on THINK, Wednesday September 26, 

2012 through the 'Request Hershey Trip' link. 

4.1.5.4. Only groups that have properly filled out a Hershey Trip Application will 

be eligible to attend. Please provide your first, second and third choices for 

dates your organization would like to go. 

4.1.5.5. Tours do not run every day. Hershey Trip specific dates are posted on the 

THON website, under the Student Documents section. Reservations will be 

granted on a first-come, first-served basis. If your group is chosen to 

participate you will be contacted by the Hershey Trip Coordinator and your trip 

status will be confirmed on THINK. 

4.1.5.6. Please make your best effort to adhere to your reservation and scheduled 

time. If something unexpected comes up and you absolutely cannot 

make it, you must contact the Hershey Trip Coordinator AT LEAST 48 

hours in advance of the trip. 

4.1.5.7. Tardiness is not acceptable. The tours will begin whether or not you are 

there. Much effort goes into the planning of these trips. If you choose to 

disregard your confirmed reservation, you are choosing to disrespect the 

children and the families of The Four Diamonds Fund, Penn State Children’s 

Hospital and THON Overall Committee. 

4.1.5.7.1. No electronic devices including cellular phone use are permitted in 

the hospital. Phones must be turned off before entering the hospital. 

4.1.5.8. If you cancel fewer than 48 hours in advance of the trip or just fail to 

show for your scheduled date and time, your organization will forfeit its visit 

to Penn State Children’s Hospital, as well as incur a penalty of $100.00 

which will be deducted from the organization’s THON 2013 total and 

donated anonymously to THON. THON and the Four Diamonds Fund 

reserve the right to cancel any Hershey Trip. In the case of this event, 

organizations will not be fined. 

4.1.5.9. In the event a Hershey Trip is cancelled, a rescheduled date will not be 

available due to the fact that participating in the tours does take the staff away 

from their work with the Four Diamonds patients and their research. 

4.1.6. IF YOU HAVE A COLD/VIRUS/FLU/ETC. OR ARE FEELING SICK IN THE 

FEW DAYS (OR DAY OF) LEADING UP TO YOUR TRIP, PLEASE DO NOT GO 

TO HERSHEY – FIND A SUBSTITUTE OR CANCEL! You are taken through 

various units where your germs could detrimentally affect the immune system of a 

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Rulebook 


sick child. If you have any questions at all about your health and being able to 

attend your scheduled time, please contact the Hershey Trip Coordinator as soon 

as possible and, if you cannot get in touch with him or her and have any doubt at all 

about being sick, please do not go on the trip. Do not compromise the health of a 

child. 

4.1.7. PLEASE REMEMBER: You are a visitor and guest of Penn State Children’s 

Hospital. As such, you also serve as a representative of THON. Hershey Trips are 

a privilege, not a right, so please act accordingly. Everything is FOR THE KIDS! 

4.2. ADOPT-A-FAMILY INFORMATION 

4.2.1. The Adopt-a-Family Program (AAF) allows Penn State students and their 

corresponding organizations to pair up with a Four Diamonds Family, build 

incredible friendships, and make a difference in the life of a child. 

4.2.1.1. Adopting a Four Diamonds Family is a privilege that needs to be taken 

seriously. Those organizations lucky enough to adopt a family will meet real 

heroes and will be forever changed as a result. The Four Diamonds Families 

are constant motivation and the reason students work so hard in their effort to 

conquer childhood cancer. 

4.2.2. Organization Standards And Guidelines 

4.2.2.1. [Please note that a family’s wishes in the AAF program come first. If a 

family requests not to continue a partnership with its organization, preference 

will be given to the family.] 

4.2.2.2. The Application Process 

4.2.2.2.1. To adopt a family, an organization must complete the application 

found at www.THON.org. Please note that paired organizations should 

only fill out one form. 

4.2.2.2.2. Organizations must complete applications for their families each 

year to continue being paired with a family. 

4.2.2.2.3. Organizations wishing to adopt a new family must submit another 

application to receive a new pairing. Applications should focus on the 

following criteria: past THON involvement, goals for future THON 

involvement, specific ideas about how the organization plans on working 

with the family, expected time commitment the organization anticipates 

dedicating to the family, and the interests of the organization (athletics, 

music, hobbies, etc.) 

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4.2.2.2.4. If applying for multiple families, continuing or new, organizations 

must complete multiple applications. Applications for each family must be 

unique and separate—one application per family. Identical applications 

will not be accepted. 

4.2.2.3. After each member of the organization has read and agreed to the terms 

listed in this rulebook, the organization must confirm its agreement with these 

terms by signing the application. Every THON Chair and Family Relations 

Chair (if applicable) must sign the application. 

4.2.2.4. The applications will be available starting Sunday, September 9, 2012. All 

application materials are due on Friday, September 27, 2012 by 5pm in 210 

HUB. No late applications will be accepted. 

4.2.2.5. Application materials must fit in a manila envelope with the organizations 

name and application type (new or continuing) clearly labeled on the outside. 

Supplemental materials are allowed to accompany the application as long as 

they fit in the envelope. 

4.2.2.6. AAF Workshop #1 is mandatory for all organizations wishing to apply for 

a family, continuing or new. This workshop is in place to ensure that all 

organizations fill out the application appropriately, giving every organization a 

fair chance to obtain a family. If an organization fails to attend this mandatory 

workshop, the organization will not be eligible for the AAF program. 

4.2.2.7. Upon approval of the application by the Family Relations Committee, the 

organization will then be eligible for adoption of a Four Diamonds Family, and 

the Family Relations AAF Liaisons will assign a family to the organization. 

4.2.3. Next Steps 

4.2.3.1. The organization will be informed by its Family Relations AAF Liaison via 

e-mail if they have been paired. If the organization receives a pairing, they will 

be required to attend all further AAF Workshops (#2-5). In AAF Workshop #2, 

each paired organization will receive their Four Diamonds Family 

assignment(s). The organizations that are not paired at this time will not attend 

AAF Workshops #2-5. However, organizations that were not initially paired 

with a family may be paired during the year and if so, will be required to have 

a meeting with a Family Relations AAF Liaison to review the missed 

workshop(s). The organization’s family relations delegate must attend all 

Adopt-A-Family Meetings held by the Family Relations Committee. If for some 

reason he/she cannot attend, an alternate member must be in attendance. 

Failure to attend this meeting will result in the gain of one (1) point. Penalties 

associated with one (1) point include: meeting with the appropriate member(s) 

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of the Overall Committee. A full list of penalties and their associated points is 


4.2.3.2. The organization must make initial contact with the family within the two 

weeks following the second AAF meeting on Thursday, October 11, 2012, and 

the organization’s designated Family Relations Chair must contact the family 

on behalf of the organization every two weeks. 

4.2.3.3. The organization must delegate a specific member to be responsible for 

all family relations. This individual may also be the organization’s THON Chair, 

although this is not suggested. The organization will be asked to identify the 

Family Relations Delegate at the first AAF meeting. His or her main 

responsibilities will be to supervise family relations with his/her organization 

and the adopted family, to enforce the AAF program standards and guidelines, 

to provide encouragement and motivation to all members of the organization, 

and to attend all AAF meetings held by the Family Relations Committee and 

AAF workshops held by his/her designated Family Relations Captains. 

4.2.3.4. AAF Workshop #3 - This workshop will feature a roundtable discussion 

between organization members to better promote a healthy relationship with 

each Four Diamonds Family. It will be used as a forum to discuss and share 

ideas between other organizations as well as the Family Relations committee. 

4.2.3.5. AAF Workshop #4 - This workshop will be similar to Workshop #3 and will 

also feature a roundtable discussion between organization members to better 

promote a healthy relationship with each Four Diamonds Family. It will be 

used as a forum to discuss and share ideas between other organizations as 

well as the Family Relations committee. This workshop will focus more on 

THON Weekend interactions with families as well as sharing ideas on how to 

keep in contact with paired families throughout the summer. 

4.2.3.6. AAF Workshop #5 will outline the THON Weekend logistics, events, and 

rules for FR chairs. The workshop will cover important information an 

organization needs to know in order to make THON Weekend a successful, 

safe, and fun weekend with their family(s). 

4.2.3.7. AAF Liaison Meeting – This meeting will include a presentation on ways 

to enhance the organization’s relationship with its family. This meeting can 

either be one on one between the Family Relations AAF Liaison and the 

Family Relations chairs or a meeting with the entire paired organization. In this 

meeting your AAF Liaison will discuss the importance of all members of your 

organization contributing to family interactions. Paired organizations are 

responsible for scheduling this meeting with their AAF Liaison; they may be 

held at any time throughout the year. 

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4.2.4. The organization is responsible for corresponding with its designated Family 

Relations AAF Liaison Captain regarding the progress of its relationship and 

contact with the family. Every two weeks the organization will be required to 

complete a weekly report of the family relations activities to its designated Family 

Relations AAF Liaison Captain. 

4.2.5. MEETING TIMES 

4.2.5.1. AAF Workshop #1 – Thursday, September 20, 2012 

4.2.5.2. AAF Workshop #2 – Thursday, October 11, 2012 

4.2.5.3. AAF Workshop #3 – Monday, November 12 - Thursday, November 16, 

(organizations are only required to attend one night of the five) 

4.2.5.4. AAF Workshop #4 – Monday, January 14 - Thursday, January 17, 2013 

(organizations are only required to attend one night of the five) 

4.2.5.5. AAF Workshop #5 – Thursday, January 31, 2013 

4.2.6. ATTENDANCE POLICY 

4.2.6.1. The organization’s Family Relations Chair(s) must attend all AAF 

meetings held by the Family Relations Committee. If for some reason the 

Family Relations Chair cannot attend, an alternate member must be in 

attendance. 

4.2.6.2. The organization’s THON Chair(s) and Family Relations Chair must be 

present at AAF Workshops #1 and #4. 

4.2.7. PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 

4.2.7.1. The organization is subject to random “check-ups” in which its assigned 

Family Relations AAF Liaison will check with the adopted family to ensure that 

the adoption is beneficial. The Captains will also be checking on progress with 

Kristen Masengarb, Assistant Director of The Four Diamonds Fund. 

4.2.7.2. If an organization violates any of the above standards and guidelines set 

in place by the Family Relations Committee, the organization will accrue 

“points” based on the violation. These points will determine what penalty the 

organization will face and will determine whether the organization can 

continue its participation in the AAF program. Points may be accumulated 

over the course of the THON season. The point system begins once the first 

AAF meeting is held in October and continues until the last Family Relations 

bi-weekly report is due. The Overall Family Relations Chairperson, Sarah 

Miele, reserves the right to give points for any misconduct not listed in the 

rulebook that the Family Relations Committee, Overall Family Relations 

Chairperson, and Overall Chairperson, Will Martin, deem necessary. The 

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Overall Family Relations Chairperson also reserves the right to hear both an 

organization and a family’s side of the story when deciding on penalties. 

4.2.7.3. A Point System is in place in order to better track violations and impose 

penalties when necessary. A complete list of points and all associated 


Misconduct Consequence 

Organization fails to attend AAF meeting or 1 point 

workshop 

Organization fails to submit 2 bi-weekly 2 points 

reports in a row 

Organization misses 2 AAF meetings or 2 points 

workshops 

Organization is found lying about contact with 6 points 

family 

4.2.7.4. 1-2 points=Meeting between assigned Family Relations AAF Liaison and 

organization’s Family Relations Chair 

4.2.7.5. 3 points=Meeting between assigned Family Relations AAF Liaison, 

Overall Family Relations Chairperson, Overall Chairperson, and organization’s 

Family Relations Chair, THON Chair(s), and president 

4.2.7.6. 4 points*=Meeting between assigned Family Relations AAF Liaison 

Captain, Overall Family Relations Chairperson, Overall Chairperson, and 

organization’s Family Relations Chair and THON Chairs; mandatory 

organization workshop and selection of a Family Relations Co-Chair or, if 

necessary, new Chair selected by the organization 

4.2.7.7. 7 points*=Organization is “red-flagged.” Meeting between assigned 

Family Relations AAF Liaison, Overall Family Relations Chairperson, Overall 

Chairperson, and organization’s Family Relations Chair, THON Chair(s), and 

president; mandatory organization workshop; new Family Relations Chair 

selected by the organization; discussion of removal of family-organization 

partnership; organization will lose access to floor passes during THON 

weekend by the decision of the Overall Family Relations Chairperson. 

4.2.7.8. 8 or more points=Removal of AAF family; organization will not be able to 

re-apply for the AAF program for 2 years; organization is considered 

suspended from the AAF program. 

4.2.7.9. *Please note that a mandatory organization workshop (4- and 5-point 

penalty) means that in addition to the Family Relations presentation at the 

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organization’s general meeting, the Family Relations Committee will hold a 

presentation at another general meeting to discuss the organization’s 

misconduct. If you have any questions regarding the AAF program, please 

contact the Overall Family Relations Chairperson, Sarah Miele 

(family.relations@thon.org). 

5.0 DANCER INFORMATION 

5.1. Dancer Classifications 

5.1.1. Greek Organization Couples: Couples who hold membership in an organization 

recognized by the IFC, PHC, MGC, and NPHC. This also includes student 

organizations paired with Greek organizations, as well as the IFC, PHC, MGC, and 

NPHC themselves. 

5.1.2. Special Interest Organization Couples: Couples who hold membership in an 

organization recognized by the Office of Student Activities with the sole purpose of 

supporting THON. 

5.1.3. General Organization Couples: Couples who hold membership in an 

organization recognized by the Office of Student Activities with an additional 

purpose of supporting THON. 

5.1.4. Independent Dancer Couples: Couples who are dancing independently of any 

student organization that participates in THON. 

5.1.5. Alumni Couples: Couples who have graduated from The Pennsylvania State 

University and are members of the Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group (Dance 

Marathon AIG). They are selected by Dance Marathon AIG each year. 

5.1.6. New Organization Couples: Couples whose organizations are participating in 

THON for the first time or whose organizations do not have a fundraising total from 

THON 2012. These organizations MUST be recognized by the Office of Student 

Activities. 

5.2. Number of Dancer Couples 

5.2.1. Lion Shrine Status: If an organization, paired or unpaired raises $190,000 or 

more in THON 2013, that organization is granted a 5 th dancer couple in THON 

2014. 

5.2.1.1. Please note: due to the growth of THON and the number of families, 

dancers, volunteers, and guests who visit the BJC each year, organizations 

that qualify as Lion Shrine status for THON 2013 will receive the following 

number of finale passes. Unpaired organizations: ten (10) passes. Paired 

organizations: five (5) passes PER ORGANIZATION. 

5.2.2. Collective Organizations: The number of dancer couples allotted is based solely 

on the amount of money raised by a collective organization that includes either a 

single registered organization or a registered pair of organizations. New 

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organizations and organizations without a total from THON 2012 will not be able to 

pair for THON 2013 but can do so the following year. 

5.2.3. If your organization was paired with another organization for THON 2012 and no 

longer wishes to continue the pairing, you must contact the Overall 

Communications Chairperson, Jenna Adams (communications@thon.org), by 

Friday, September 14, 2012 at 5pm. After that date, all pairings will be final and no 

organizations may change partners until after THON 2013. If you do not keep your 

partner for THON 2013, your organization’s canning totals will be divided in half 

and all checks and individual donations will be credited to the organization to which 

they were made out. This will affect the number of dancers and floor passes your 

organization receives for THON 2013. Please also consider the effect this action 

may have on your THON family. 

5.2.3.1. Organizations that have changed partners from THON 2012 to THON 

2013 will have their individual organization totals from THON 2012 added 

together. The number of dancers allotted for THON 2013 is then based on the 

earnings of the two organizations’ individual totals added together from THON 

2012. These organizations are not eligible for Lion Shrine Status until the 

following THON, as they have not yet earned a status as a collective 

organization. 

5.2.3.2. NOTE: Special Interest organizations are not permitted to pair with any 

other organization. Due to their dedicated purpose and unlimited number of 

volunteers, any pairing of this nature could monopolize fundraising. 

5.2.3.3. Any questions regarding splits and pairings should be directed to the 

Overall Communications Chairperson Jenna Adams 

(communications@thon.org). 

5.2.4. Independent Dancer Couples and New Organizations: Independent Dancer 

Couples and New organizations that would like to dance in THON will be placed in 

a lottery system. 

5.2.4.1. To be entered into the lottery, all Independent Dancer Couples and 

New organizations must raise a minimum of $2,600. 

5.2.4.2. The number of Independent Dancer Couples selected to dance in THON 

varies from year-to-year according to organization fundraising totals and what 

the Overall Committee deems a safe environment on the floor THON 

weekend. 

5.2.5. Alumni (Dance Marathon AIG) are permitted two couples (four dancers). 

5.3. THON Volunteers Dancing 

5.3.1. The Overall Committee has outlined the restrictions mentioned below as 

appropriate and necessary to accomplish THON's mission. The number of Captain 

and Committee Members selected each year ensures that THON will be able to 

carry out events effectively and successfully. Thus, the number of volunteers 

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present THON Weekend is vital in achieving THON’s goals. The Overall Committee 

places the following restrictions on dancing: 

5.3.2. The following Captain Committees will not be able to dance THON Weekend. 

Accepting a position on any of the Captain Committees listed below forfeits one's 

ability to dance. These committees include: 

5.3.2.1. Entertainment, Family Relations, Hospitality, Merchandise, Morale, 

OPPerations, Public Relations, Rules & Regulations 

5.3.3. The following Committee Members will not be able to dance THON Weekend. 

Accepting a position on any of the committees listed below forfeits one's ability to 

dance, even if one leaves the committee at a later date. These committees 

include: 

5.3.3.1. Entertainment, Hospitality, Merchandise, Morale, OPPerations, Public 

Relations, Rules & Regulations 

5.3.4. The following Captain and Committee Members of the Committees listed below 

have the ability to dance THON Weekend, depending on the position, if chosen 

by their respective organization or selected in the lottery. Having a position on the 

following committees in no way guarantees the right to dance. The decision of 

which Captain positions and Committee Members have the ability to dance will rest 

with Overall Chairperson of that Committee. These committees include: 

5.3.4.1. Communications, Supply Logistics, Special Events, Technology, Finance, 

Donor & Alumni Relations. 

5.3.5. Captain descriptions with dancing limitations are listed explicitly on 

http://thon.org/faq/8. To uphold THON's integrity, those volunteers who do not 

abide by the aforementioned restrictions will not be given the opportunity to dance 

in THON 2013. If you have any questions, please contact the Overall Chairperson, 

Will Martin, at overall@thon.org 

5.4. GUIDELINES FOR DANCER REGISTRATION 

5.4.1. Couple Assignment 

5.4.1.1. All potential dancing couples, including those from Commonwealth 

Campuses, Greek organizations, General organizations, Special Interest 

organizations, Independent Dancer Couples, and new organizations must be 

pre-registered to dance on THINK by Monday, January 21, 2013. All couple 

assignments must be handled within an organization prior to registration. 

5.4.2. Online Pre-Registration 

5.4.2.1. All dancers must register on THINK between January 7, 2013 and 

January 21, 2013. If dancers are not registered online they will not be able to 

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complete their registration during the scheduled sessions. Online preregistration 

includes the dancer survey to be reviewed by the Morale 

Committee. All prospective dancers MUST fill this out prior to in-person 

dancer registration. 

5.4.3. In-Person Registration 

5.4.3.1. In-person dancer registration will take place as follows: 

5.4.3.1.1. Independent Dancers/Lottery Organization Couples 

(including Commonwealth Campuses in the lottery): January 28, 

2013 from 7-10pm, 129 HUB 

5.4.3.1.2. General Organization/Special Interest Organization Couples: 

January 29, 2013 from 7-10pm, 129 HUB 

5.4.3.1.3. Greek Organizations/Commonwealth Campuses not in the 

lottery: January 30, 2013 from 7-10pm, 129 HUB 

5.4.3.2. There will be a lottery drawing on the night of Wednesday, January 30, 

2013 to determine independent dancers and new organization couples. 

Lottery participants can expect to be notified on Thursday, January 31, 2013 

5.4.3.3. Organizations must complete registration in accordance with this 

schedule to ensure they are guaranteed dancers or placement in the 

lottery for THON 2013. 

5.4.4. Registration Requirements 

5.4.4.1. Any Greek organization, General organization, Special Interest 

organization, Independent Dancer Couple or Commonwealth Campus that 

does not comply with all registration procedures, including deadlines, will 

forfeit its dancers. 

5.4.4.2. The registration fee is $80 per couple. This is to help cover dancer 

expenses at THON (including medical equipment) and should be paid out of 

organization/personal funds, not funds raised for THON. The registration fee 

must be paid in form of check, cash, or ASA transfer, with checks made 

payable to Penn State Dance Marathon and submitted at the time of dancer 

registration. Checks will be voided and ASA transfers will be returned to 

dancer couple candidates who are not selected in the dancer lottery. If the 

form of payment is cash, the registration fee cannot be returned. This fee is to 

be submitted at the time of that dancer couple’s registration. 

5.4.4.3. Both members of the dancer couple and one THON Chair must be 

present to register in person. If both members of the dancer couple are not 

present, the registration process will not be completed. 

5.4.4.4. The minimum fundraising amount of $2,600 for Independent Dancer 

Couples and Organizations must be presented at the time of registration or 

the registration will be denied. (This does not include the $80 dancer couple 

registration fee.) In order to be eligible for the lottery, all Commonwealth 

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Campuses who have not been guaranteed dancers must meet the minimum 

fundraising amount required by Monday, January 28, 2013 at 5pm. 

Commonwealth campuses are required to fax their dancer registration packet 

and the dancer couple registration fee. 

5.5. THE LOTTERY SYSTEM 

5.5.1. The lottery system for determining Independent Dancer Couples and new 

organizations will be run as one lottery. 

5.5.2. A couple or organization must raise at least the minimum fundraising total of 

$2,600 to be eligible for the lottery. For each additional $500 raised over the base 

registration requirement, the couple or organization will receive one additional 

chance. To calculate your number of chances, subtract $2,600 from the total 

raised, divide by $500 and then add 1. 

5.5.3. After registration is complete, lottery dancer couples will be chosen by a computer 

program, which randomly selects dancers based on the number of chances in the 

lottery. Dancers will be notified via e-mail no later than Thursday, January 31, 2013. 

5.6. DANCER TIMELINE 

5.6.1. Dancer Meetings 

5.6.1.1. Meeting #1: Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 7pm in the IM Building. At 

least one THON Chair representing an organization and all dancer couples 

must attend this meeting. Rules, regulations, and dancer tips will be 

distributed and questions will be answered. 

5.6.1.1.1. If unable to attend Dancer Meeting #1, a meeting with the Morale 

Overall, Melanie Sessa, must be scheduled. 

5.6.1.2. Color Wars Kick-Off: Wednesday, February 6 , 2013 at 9pm in the IM 

Building. Details will be distributed via the THON listservs and Web site. 

5.6.1.3. Dancer/Morale Meetings: All held during the two weeks prior to THON. 

The meetings are specific to each dancer/moraler and are an opportunity for 

the dancer to convey any specific needs or concerns to the moraler. The 

Morale Committee will specify meeting time information after dancer 

registration. 

5.6.1.4. Meeting #2: Friday, February 15, 2013 at 4pm in the Multi-Sport Complex. 

Questions will be answered, weekend guidelines and emergency plans will be 

reviewed, and dancer bracelets will be distributed. It is recommended that 

dancers eat prior to this meeting, as no meal will be served. Please do not be 

late! 

6.0 THON WEEKEND INFORMATION 

6.1. THON Chair Responsibility 

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6.1.1. The THON Chair will be the main point of contact during THON weekend for 

all informational and disciplinary needs. 

6.1.2. If an organization’s THON Chair is dancing THON Weekend, the organization 

must register another THON Chair or organization member as the “Acting THON 

Chair” for THON Weekend on THINK. 

6.2. THON 2013 ORGANIZATIONAL PASSES 

6.2.1. The number of passes an organization receives for THON 2013 will be based on 

its fundraising total from THON 2012. If an organization switches partners from 

THON 2012 to THON 2013, the fundraising totals will be split and added with the 

new partner’s fundraising total. Please note that specific pass distribution 

information for your organization will be available on September 28, 2012 on 

THINK. If there are any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Overall 

Rules and Regulations Chairperson, Mike Wellner. Your cooperation and 

understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated. 

6.2.2. General Organization Pass (ORG): The General Organization Pass is a Floor 

Access Pass (ORG) that will be valid from the official start of THON 2013 until 

approximately five (5) hours prior to the conclusion, at 10:45am on Sunday, 

February 17, 2013. These passes are good for FLOOR ACCESS ONLY. ALL other 

areas are PROHIBITED. General Organization Passes are only valid for three (3) 

hours at a time. Passholders will be notified when their pass has expired. General 

Organization Passholders can expect to be swept off the floor every three (3) 

hours. 

6.2.2.1. Failure to exit the floor during the assigned time will result in Pass 

suspension. 

6.2.3. THON Finale Pass: In addition to receiving General Organization passes, 

organizations may also qualify for THON Finale (FINALE) passes. These passes 

will be valid for the final four hours of THON 2013. Passes will be awarded based 

on THON 2012 totals. These passes are good for FLOOR ACCESS only; ALL 

other areas are PROHIBITED. 

6.2.4. *Passes are subject to suspension by the Overall Rules and Regulations 

Chairperson, Mike Wellner, the PASS Team Leader, Janine Patton, and the 

Security Team Leader, Kevin O’Connor, at ANY given time due to misconduct 

of an organization’s members. 

6.2.5. The Pass Tables are subject to shut down and access to the floor can be 

denied at any time due to capacity and safety concerns. 

6.3. PASS REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION 

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Rulebook 

6.3.1. ORGANIZATIONAL PASS LISTS REQUIREMENTS 


6.3.1.1. Each organization must submit its pass list on THINK through the ‘Pass 

Lists’ link. All pass lists must be submitted by Sunday, February 3, 2013 

at 11:59pm. 

6.3.1.2. Each organization in a pair must create its list separately. Members of 

your paired organization will not be able to use your organization’s pass(es). 

6.3.1.3. For the THON Finale Passes, organizations must indicate which 

individuals will be on the floor for the end of THON by checking the extra 

box on THINK when submitting a pass list. 

6.3.1.3.1. Unlike General Organization Passes, only one person may be 

registered to each Finale pass. 

6.3.1.4. Family members must be placed on pass lists. PLEASE REMEMBER TO 

INCLUDE PARENTS OF DANCERS ON YOUR LIST! Other people to 

include on the list can be top money raisers not dancing, large donors or 

supporters, etc. 

6.3.1.5. When submitting a pass list, an organization’s THON Chair and all 

dancers should be present to verify that all desired persons are included on 

the list. 

6.3.1.6. HANDWRITTEN LISTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! 

6.3.1.7. All Pass Lists must be submitted and digitally confirmed by a 

designated THON Chair of the respective organization. 

6.3.2. Any Organization selected in the lottery will receive one (1) General Organization 

floor pass. 

6.3.3. Floor passes will be given to anyone on an organization’s list. However, the 

number of individuals allowed on the floor is limited to an organization’s number of 

passes. Example: Organization XYZ has four (4) passes to use. It places seven (7) 

names on its pass list. Only four people will be allowed on the floor at one time. The 

remaining individuals must wait for a pass from the organization to come off the 

floor before they can enter. 

6.3.4. Fifteen (15) people may be registered to each pass – this means that for every 

one person on the floor, fourteen (14) others may be waiting for that Pass. Please 

inform your guests of this policy to avoid any possible difficulties. 

6.3.5. To ensure the safety and well being of all dancers and pass-holders and the 

security of the Bryce Jordan Center, pass sweeps of the event level will be 

conducted frequently throughout the weekend. Overall Chairpersons, Captains, and 

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Committee members will ask pass-holders to leave once their pass onto the event 

level has expired. Use of passes for an unlimited amount of time THON Weekend 

is strictly prohibited. 

6.3.6. Passes will NOT be given to those considered to be a threat to the safety of the 

dancers (i.e. intoxicated or overly obnoxious behavior). ANYONE SUSPECTED OF 

BEING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR ANY OTHER SUBSTANCE 

WILL BE ESCORTED FROM THE BRYCE JORDAN CENTER– NO 

EXCEPTIONS! 

6.3.7. This substance-free policy is not only a policy of THON’s, but of the Bryce Jordan 

Center as well, and police and BJC personnel are aware of this. In addition, 

inappropriate actions could jeopardize the status of an organization and result in 

forfeiture of floor visitation rights at THON 2013. In extreme situations, dancer 

couples and passes could be taken away for future THONs. 

6.3.8. Immediate dismissal from the Bryce Jordan Center will be strictly enforced by 

Rules and Regulations Captains, Committee members, and Penn State Police and 

Auxiliary Police, if necessary. 

6.3.9. THE OVERALL COMMITTEE, RULES AND REGULATIONS CAPTAINS, 

THEIR COMMITTEE MEMBERS, AND POLICE SERVICES ALL RESERVE THE 

RIGHT TO DENY ADMISSION TO THE EVENT LEVEL AND THE BRYCE 

JORDAN CENTER AT ANYTIME. 

6.3.10. FAILURE TO MEET THESE RULES WILL RESULT IN FORFEITURE OF 

YOUR ORGANIZATION’S FLOOR PASSES FOR THON 2013. 

6.3.11. DUPLICATING OR SELLING FLOOR PASSES IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. 

Should any organization be found in violation of this policy, that organization will 

lose floor pass privileges for the remainder of THON 2013 and receive a reduced 

number of floor passes for THON 2014 at the discretion of the Overall Rules and 

Regulations Chairperson. 

6.3.12. If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Overall Rules and 

Regulations Chairperson, Mike Wellner. 

6.4. ORGANIZATIONAL TOTAL RECOGNITION IS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING 

CRITERIA 

6.4.1. All money received by 11:59pm, Saturday, February 16 , 2013, that is designated 

to be credited to an organization will be credited to that organization. 

6.4.2. An example of the formula used to calculate organizational total 

recognition is the following: 

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Total cash, check, online, and fundraising event donations (by 

Saturday, February 17, 2013) 

- Organizational Penalties 

= TOTAL DONATION CREDITED FOR THON 2013 

6.4.3. The top money raisers in each of the following categories will be recognized at 

the conclusion of THON Weekend: 

6.4.3.1. Top 5 Commonwealth Campuses 

6.4.3.2. Top 5 Greek organizations 

6.4.3.3. Top 5 General organizations 

6.4.3.4. Top 5 Special Interest organizations 

6.4.3.5. The collective Independent Dancer total will also be recognized. 

6.5. GENERAL THON WEEKEND RULES 

6.5.1. The rules of the BJC during THON Weekend are subject to revision at the 

discretion of the Rules & Regulations Committee. As one community, we must 

ensure a safe and secure environment for the families, dancers, volunteers, and 

spectators during the event. Any violation of THON Weekend Rules will be subject 

(but not limited) to any of the following penalties: pass revocation; pass suspension, 

and removal from the BJC. Members of the Overall Committee, police, Rules and 

Regulations Captains, and Rules and Regulations Committee Members reserve the 

right to ask anyone inside the BJC causing a disruption and/or not following the 

rules of THON to leave the premises immediately. 

6.5.2. Dancer Rules 

6.5.2.1. Dancer’s feet should remain on the floor unless stretching. 

6.5.2.2. No caffeine is permitted at any time. 

6.5.2.3. For safety reasons, no dancer will be permitted to leave the designated 

“dancer” areas during the weekend. The dancer areas consist of the Dance 

Floor and the Dancer Storage Areas. 

6.5.2.4. Dancer numbers and bracelets must be worn visibly at all times. 

6.5.2.5. Food and beverages will be provided throughout the weekend. Anyone 

requiring a special diet (i.e. vegetarian, gluten free) should arrange their own 

meals ahead of time with friends or Moralers. 

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6.5.2.6. Restrooms located on the Event Level are for dancers ONLY. Only 

dancers and members of the same sex who are accompanying or helping the 

dancer may enter Dancer Storage Areas. 

6.5.2.7. Food and beverages at the HOS Tables, Snack Shack and Pepsi Mobile 

Fridges are for Dancers ONLY. 

6.5.3. General Rules: The Rules of the BJC throughout THON Weekend include, 

but are not limited to, the following: 

6.5.3.1. The use of alcohol or drugs is prohibited throughout the entire 

weekend. ANY individual found in violation of this rule will either be 

denied access to the BJC or weekend. Cigarettes will not be permitted at 

any time throughout the weekend. 

6.5.3.2. No pets are allowed (with the exception of guide dogs). 

6.5.3.3. No large containers are permitted inside the BJC. 

6.5.3.4. No silly string is allowed inside the BJC. 

6.5.3.5. No large quantities of food may be brought into the BJC. While single 

items of food (i.e. one bag of fast food) are permitted, no large orders 

(including a single box of pizza, cases of water or other beverages) will be 

permitted and guests will be asked to leave their items outside. 

6.5.3.6. No sitting is allowed in any area that may be viewed by dancers or on the 

concourse at any time (this does not include elderly or disabled persons). 

6.5.3.6.1. Any person who needs to sit for medical reasons may 

request a wristband from Rules and Regulations Committee 

Members. This wristband must be worn at all times in the BJC so 

that the wearer will not be asked to stand again. 

6.5.3.6.2. Handicapped seating is available in the Bryce Jordan Center 

throughout the weekend. 

6.5.3.7. Standing on seats and/or saving seats is not permitted. 

6.5.3.7.1. Signs are not permitted to be stored on seats. 

6.5.3.8. Aisles must be clear at all times, and lines should be continually moving. 

6.5.3.9. No large squirt guns will be permitted in the BJC (i.e. anything with a tank 

or ability to create damage.) 

6.5.3.10. Balls of any kind that could potentially hurt an individual (i.e. baseball or 

football) will not be permitted in the BJC. 

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6.5.3.11. Objects may not be thrown from the Event level to the stands or viceversa. 

6.5.3.12. Standing against the gates at the end of each aisle or at the top of the 

entrance to any Portal is prohibited. 

6.5.3.13. Spectators are not allowed to use the outlets in the BJC to charge 

phones, cameras or any other electronic devices. 

6.5.3.14. Organizations may not hang signs over the railings in front of any THON 

or corporate sponsor signs. 

6.5.3.15. Entrance to the BJC prior to the start of THON Weekend will be via Gates 

A and B. Guests waiting to enter will line up in the gated queue. There will be 

an open area between the lines and the doors of approximately 20 feet in 

distance. Rules & Regulations Captains will allow twenty (20) guests at a time 

to enter the BJC. Detailed instructions regarding this entrance plan will be 

available closer to THON weekend 2013. 

6.5.3.15.1. Hopping over the outside gates to get in line is strictly prohibited. 

6.5.3.16. Running outside and inside the BJC is strictly prohibited. 

6.5.3.17. NOTE: From 11pm-4am on Friday and Saturday night, the only open 

entrance of the BJC is Gate B. During this time, NO opened beverages will 

be allowed into the building. Only approved beverages with seal intact may 

enter the BJC. Rules & Regulations Captains and Committee Members 

reserve the right to prohibit entrance to the building from anyone who they 

suspect may have been drinking. 

6.6. Pass System Rules 

6.6.1. Passes must be worn and visible at all times. 

6.6.2. No one other than Overalls, Captains, Committee Members, and BJC Staff 

should be on the event or Mezzanine Levels without a Pass. NO exceptions. 

6.6.2.1. There should be no passes on the Concourse level other than tours 

during certain hours and escorted by the appropriate Captain. Four Diamonds 

and Family passes are acceptable. 

6.6.3. During periodic Pass Sweeps, expired Pass holders must exit the Event Level 

immediately. 

6.6.3.1. Failure to exit the floor when a Pass expires will result in Pass 

suspension. 

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Rulebook 


6.6.4. Passes may not be handed from a Pass holder to a guest without a Pass. Doing 

so will result in immediate expulsion from the Event Level. 

6.6.5. Only those on an Organization’s Pass List may be able to use that Organization’s 

Passes. NO EXCEPTIONS. 

6.6.6. If your PASS is not available upon reaching the front of the PASS line, you 

MUST return to the back of the line. No one may stand by the PASS tables waiting 

for a PASS to become available. Everyone must wait in line to as to avoid 

congestion around the computers. 

6.6.7. The Pass Tables may close periodically throughout the Weekend when the floor 

reaches capacity. 

7.0 CODE OF CONDUCT 

7.1. Expectations of THON Volunteers 

7.1.1. Engaging in inappropriate behavior or behavior that does not uphold the integrity 

of THON while wearing THON gear will result in a meeting with appropriate 

member(s) of the Captain or Overall Committee. 

7.1.2. Engaging in inappropriate behavior in a THON setting (i.e. consuming alcohol 

prior to a meeting) will result in immediate removal from THON setting and a 

meeting with the appropriate member(s) of the Captain or Overall Committee. 

7.1.3. Failure to attend more than three (3) mandatory THON events without a 

reasonable excuse will result in a warning and/or potential removal from the 

Committee following meeting with the appropriate member(s) of the Captain or 

Overall Committee. 

7.1.4. If THON is represented anywhere in a THON volunteer's (i.e. Overall, Captain, or 

Committee Member) online profile or account information, the volunteer is to post 

and tweet things appropriate of a THON representative. Repeated failure to do so 

will result in a warning and/or meeting with the appropriate member(s) of the 

Captain or Overall Committee. 

7.1.5. Any THON volunteer who is involved in a major criminal offense or any activity 

deemed egregiously inappropriate by the Overall Committee will face potential 

dismissal as left to the discretion of the Overall Committee. 

7.2. Protocol for Removal of THON Volunteers 

7.2.1. Removal of THON volunteers (i.e. Overall, Captain, or Committee Member) will 

be left to the discretion of overseeing Overall or Captain. 

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Rulebook 


7.2.2. An individual Captain may not remove a Committee Member without the consent 

of his or her Overall or the Overall Committee. 

7.2.3. An individual Overall may not remove a Captain without the consent of the 

Overall Chairperson. 

APPENDIX A TAX-ID INFORMATION 

To Whom It May Concern: 

The purpose of this letter is to provide information for tax purposes regarding donations made to 

The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. THON and affiliated fundraising efforts are 

covered under the tax-exempt status of The Pennsylvania State University. All contributions and 

in-kind donations are fully tax-exempt. 

Federal ID Number: 24-6000-376 

The U.S. Treasury Department, office of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, in a private 

letter ruling, dated September 9, 1949, has held that The Pennsylvania State University is an 

instrumentality of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and as such, is not subject to Federal 

Income Tax, and contributions made to the University are deductible by donors. The current 

applicable provision of the Internal Revenue code is Section 115. The current law prescribes the 

manner and extent of the deduction for contributions. Internal Revenue Code Section 170 

entitled “Charitable, etc., Contributions and Gifts” provides for the allowance of deductions, 

percentage limitations, definitions, and other information. 

TAX-EXEMPT STATUS OF THE UNIVERSITY – The Pennsylvania State University is an 

instrumentality of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and as such is qualified as a proper 

recipient of income that is exempt from federal income tax by virtue of Internal Revenue Code 

Section 115. This precludes any requirement of obtaining an additional specific exemption 

under Internal Revenue Code 501(c) (3), since the University is already tax-exempt under 

Section 115. 

TAX DEDUCTIBILITY OF CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THEUNIVERSITY – 

Contributions to the University are deductible for Federal Income Tax Purposes by virtue of 

Internal Revenue Code Section 170 (c) (1) and the applicable regulations there under. 

Please feel free to contact me with any further questions, concerns, or comments. You can 

reach me via email at Donor.Alumni.Relations@thon.org. 

For The Kids, 

Michael Ringenbach 

Overall Donor and Alumni Relations Chairperson 

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Rulebook 


APPENDIX B – VEHICLE CODES 


THE OVERALL COMMITTEE REQUIRES THAT ALL INDIVIDUALS ADHERE TO THE 

CANNING AND SOLICITATION LAWS SET FORTH BY EACH STATE. IT IS A COURTESY 

THAT THESE STATES PERMIT THON TO CAN IN THEIR COUNTIES, SO PLEASE ABIDE 

BY THE LAWS. IT IS STILL REQUIRED THAT AN ORGANIZATION CHECK WITH THE 

LOCAL COUNTY BEFORE CANNING IN THEIR AREA AND PROCURE A PERMIT TO 

SOLICIT IN THAT BOROUGH OR MUNICIPALITY. CERTAIN COUNTIES HAVE ADDITIONS 

TO THE LAWS SET FORTH BY THEIR STATE. 

PENNSYLVANIA 

While canning, individuals must adhere to PA vehicle code 3544 and 3545. 

Vehicle Code 3544 – Pedestrians walking along or on highway 

Mandatory use of available sidewalk where a sidewalk is provided and its use is 

practicable, it is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent 

roadway. 

Absence of sidewalk. Where a sidewalk is not available, any pedestrian walking along 

and upon a highway shall walk only on a shoulder as far as practicable from the edge of 

the roadway. 

Absence of sidewalk and shoulder. Where neither a sidewalk nor a shoulder is 

available, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk as near as 

practicable to an outside edge of the roadway and, if on a two-way roadway, shall walk 

only on the left side of the roadway. 

Right-of-way to vehicles. Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, any 

pedestrian upon a roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway. 

Vehicle Code 3545 – Pedestrians soliciting rides or business 

No person shall: 

1. Stand on a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride. 

2. Stand on a roadway for the purpose of soliciting employment, business or 

contributions from the occupant of any vehicle. 

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Rulebook 


3. Stand on or in proximity to a highway for the purpose of soliciting the watching 

or guarding of any vehicle while parked or about to be parked on a street or 

highway. 

DELAWARE 

While canning, individuals must adhere to the DE vehicle code 4142. 

Vehicle Code 4142 – Pedestrians’ right-of-way in crosswalks 

No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into 

the path of a vehicle which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. 

Vehicle Code 4143 – Crossing at other than crosswalks 

Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk 

or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all 

vehicles upon the roadway. 

Between adjacent intersections at which traffic-control signals are in operation, 

pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk. 

No pedestrian shall cross a roadway intersection diagonally unless authorized by official 

traffic-control devices; and, when authorized to cross diagonally, pedestrians shall cross 

only in accordance with the official traffic-control devices pertaining to such crossing 

movements. 

Vehicle Code 4146 – Pedestrians on highways; penalty 

Where a sidewalk is provided and is accessible, it shall be unlawful for any pedestrian to 

walk along and upon an adjacent roadway. 

Where a sidewalk is not available, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway 

shall walk facing traffic only on a shoulder, as far as practicable from the edge of the 

roadway. 

Where neither a sidewalk nor a shoulder is available, any pedestrian walking along and 

upon a highway shall walk as near as practicable to an outside edge of the roadway, and 

shall walk facing traffic. 

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any pedestrian upon a highway shall yield 

the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the highway. 

This section shall not require that pedestrians on one-way roadways of controlledaccess 

highways walk facing traffic to the nearest emergency reporting device. 

Whoever violates this section shall for the first offense be fined not less than $10 nor 

more than $28.75. For each subsequent like offense, the person shall be fined not less 

than $25 nor more than $50. 

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Rulebook 


Vehicle Code 4147 – Pedestrians soliciting rides or business 

No person shall stand in a highway for the purpose of soliciting any employment, 

business or contributions from the occupant of any vehicle. 

MARYLAND 

While canning, individuals must adhere to the MD vehicle code 21.507. 

Vehicle Code 21.507 – Certain activities by pedestrians prohibited 

Soliciting rides, employment, or business. Except for the occupant of a disabled 

vehicle who seeks the aid of another vehicle, a person may not stand in a roadway to 

solicit a ride, employment, or business from the occupant of any vehicle. 

NEW JERSEY 

While canning, individuals must adhere to NJ vehicle code 39:4-34. 

Vehicle Code 39:4-34 – Pedestrian to Use Crosswalk 

Unlawful for pedestrians to cross any highway separated by medial barrier except where 

a provision is made for a crossing. 

On all highways where no sidewalks or paths are provided, pedestrians shall, when 

practical, walk only on the extreme left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing traffic. 

Where sidewalks are provided, it shall be unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and 

upon an adjacent roadway. 

NEW YORK 

While canning, individuals must adhere to the NY vehicle code 1156 and 1157. 

Vehicle Code 1156 – Pedestrians on Roadways 

Where sidewalks are provided and they may be used with safety it shall be unlawful for 

any pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent roadway 

Where sidewalks are not provided any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway 

shall when practicable walk only on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing 

traffic which may approach from the opposite direction. Upon the approach of any 

vehicle from the opposite direction, such pedestrian shall move as far to the left as is 

practicable. 

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Rulebook 


Vehicle Code 1157 – Pedestrians soliciting rides, or business 

No person shall stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride, or to solicit from 

or sell to an occupant of any vehicle. 

No person shall occupy any part of a state highway, except in a city or village, in any 

manner for the purpose of selling or soliciting. 

OHIO 

While canning, individuals must adhere to the OH vehicle codes 4511.051, 4511.48, and 

4511.50. 

Vehicle Code 4511.051 – Pedestrians Prohibited on Freeways 

No pedestrian is permitted within the limits of the right of way of a freeway, except: within 

a rest area, in the performance of public works, or as a result of an emergency or a 

breakdown of a motor vehicle. 

Vehicle Code 4511.48 – Right-of-Way Yielded by Pedestrians Where there is No 

Crosswalk 

When not crossing at a crosswalk, the pedestrian must yield the right of way to all traffic 

upon the roadway. When between intersections where traffic signals are in operation, 

pedestrians shall cross only in marked crosswalks. 

Vehicle Code 4511.50 – Walking Along Roadway 

Where a sideway is provided and its use is practicable, pedestrians shall not walk along 

or upon the adjacent roadway. Where a sidewalk is not available, pedestrians walking 

along and upon a highway shall walk only on a shoulder, as far as practicable from the 

edge of the roadway. Where neither sidewalk nor shoulder is available, pedestrians shall 

walk as near to the outside edge of the roadway and only on the left side of the roadway, 

facing traffic. Any pedestrian upon a roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles 

upon the roadway. 

WEST VIRGINIA 

While canning, individuals must adhere to the WV vehicle codes 17C-10-1, 17C-10-3, 

and 

17C-10-7. 

Vehicle Code 17C-10-1 – Pedestrians subject to traffic regulations; powers of local 

authorities. 

Local authorities are hereby empowered by ordinance to require that pedestrians shall 

strictly comply with the directions of any official traffic-control signal and may by 

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Rulebook 


ordinance prohibit pedestrians from crossing any roadway in a business district or any 

designated highways except in a crosswalk. 

Vehicle Code 17C-10-3 – Crossing at other than crosswalks. 

Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk 

or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all 

vehicles upon the roadway. 

Between adjacent intersections at which traffic-control signals are in operation, 

pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk. 

No pedestrian shall cross a roadway intersection diagonally unless authorized by official 

traffic-control devices; and, when authorized to cross diagonally, pedestrians shall cross 

only in accordance with the official traffic-control devices pertaining to such crossing 

movements. 

Vehicle Code 17C-10-7 – Penalty for pedestrians violating the provisions of this 

article. 

Any person violating the provisions of this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon 

conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars; upon a second 

conviction within one year thereafter, shall be fined not more than two hundred dollars; 

and upon a third or subsequent conviction, shall be fined not more than five hundred 

dollars. 

VIRGINIA 

While canning, individuals must adhere to the VA vehicle codes 46.2-924 and 46.2-926. 

Vehicle Code 46.2-924 – Drivers to stop for pedestrians. 

No pedestrian shall enter or cross an intersection in disregard of approaching traffic. 

Vehicle Code 46.2-926 – Pedestrians stepping into highway where they cannot be 

seen. 

No pedestrian shall step into a highway open to moving vehicular traffic at any point 

between intersections where his presence would be obscured from the vision of drivers 

of approaching vehicles by a vehicle or other obstruction at the curb or side. 

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Rulebook 

APPENDIX C – TRAVEL SAFETY AND GUIDELINES 


v� While canning safely is of utmost importance, traveling safely to your canning destination 

and to individual canning locations is of equal importance. The following guidelines are 

set forth in concordance with Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New 

York, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia Motor Vehicle codes as well as general traveling 

safety procedures. 

v� NOTHING is more important than your safety. If you are tired, ill, or do not feel 

comfortable driving, do not go. There are other opportunities to raise awareness and 

funds and stay close to school. 

v� If a member of your canning trip is unable to leave until later Friday night, wait until 

Saturday morning to leave when the sun is up and you’ll be better able to travel safely. 

No number of missed canning hours is worth your wellbeing. 

v� While traveling, make sure that every member of your trip is seat belted, that nothing is 

obstructing the driver’s view, and that the driver has minimal distractions. The driver 

should not participate in texting while driving or any other unsafe driving behavior. 

Should you encounter inclement weather, do not hesitate to pull over and wait for it to 

subside. 

v� If anything were to happen to your group while traveling. Please call 1-800-392-THON 

(8466), and someone will answer your phone call. This number is available on all 

canning materials as well, so it should be readily available within your car should you 

ever need it. 

v� Additionally, if you ever feel that you’re being forced to fundraise, please contact a 

member of the Overall Committee or submit an anonymous tip on the canning page on 

THINK. At no point will your name be used, but mandatory fundraising is completely 

unacceptable and organizations found participating in such will be met with the 

appropriate consequences. 

v� Before traveling to your destination, check the following: 

o Does the car have the proper number of functioning seat belts? 

o Is the driver’s license up to date? 

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Rulebook 


o Does the car have proper documentation including up-to-date inspection, 

registration, and insurance? 

o Is the driver alert and comfortable driving? 

o Have you checked the weather for your destination and along your route 

v� Vehicle Codes 

o Driving Without A Valid License: In all states, traffic laws make it unlawful to 

operate a motor vehicle when: 

o The vehicle operator has never been issued a driver's license from the state 

department of motor vehicles, 

o The vehicle operator currently has his or her driver's license temporarily 

suspended, or 

o The vehicle operator has had his or her driver's license permanently revoked. 

o Failure to Produce Proof of Insurance: In every state, drivers are required to 

demonstrate the ability to pay up to a certain amount to cover their liability if they 

are involved in a motor vehicle accident. All states do require some form of proof 

of financial responsibility. 

v� Across all states and D.C., penalties for a first-time offense for driving without insurance 

range from the imposition of a $100 fine, to a one-year driver's license suspension. 

o Driving Without Valid Vehicle Registration: In every state, traffic laws make it 

unlawful to operate a motor vehicle when: 

o The vehicle has never been registered with the state department of motor 

vehicles (or motor vehicles bureau) in the state where it is primarily used. 

o The vehicle's once-valid registration has expired (i.e. required fees and filings 

were not submitted to the state motor vehicle department within the registration 

period). 

o Driving With Expired Inspection: The purpose of a safety inspection is to make 

sure your vehicle has all of the necessary equipment to operate safely on public 

roadways. Some, but not all, states require a vehicle inspection before your 

vehicle can be legally registered. 

v� Items checked during a safety inspection include: 

o Seat Belts 

o Brakes 

o Frame and wheel fasteners 

o Tires 

o Lights 

o Windshield wipers and blades 

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Rulebook 

o Mirrors 

o Steering 


v� Whether or not inspection is mandatory in your state, a safety inspection will 

certify that your care is safe enough to travel the distance that many canners 

travel. Make sure before traveling that all of the above items and any other 

necessary items are fully functional. Many states will not permit a car to be fully 

registered until it passes inspection, so verify that the car has both a valid 

inspection and registration before departing. 

v� Seat Belt Laws: ALL STATES REQUIRE THAT SEATBELTS ARE TO BE 

WORN AT ALL TIMES WHILE A MOTOR VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED. 

65

RULEBOOK 


APPENDIX D – POINTS ASSOCIATED WITH FUNDRAISING, MERCHANDISE, 

AND ADOPT-A-FAMIILY MISCONDUCT 

These infractions and assigned point values are left to the discretion of the 

members of the Overall Committee. Any organization that repeatedly violates 

even seemingly minor rules and regulations as set forth in the THON 2013 

Rulebook will be subject to a meeting with the Overall Committee and 

consequences such as the ones listed in the following table. 

• Failure to get design approval before ordering committee or organization 

merchandise from one of the approved vendors 

• Failure to submit two (2) bi-weekly AAF reports in a row 

• Failure to remove foreign objects (screws, paperclips, etc.) from the 

collected coins 

• Failure to submit funds raised through a Donation Box within 10 days 

• Failure to submit funds raised through an Alternative Fundraiser within 10 

Depositing a personal check into campus accounts. ONLY cash may be 

deposited into campus accounts. (Commonwealth Regulation) 

• Organization misses 2 AAF meetings or workshops 

• Failure to turn in canning money to Finance Committee at Canning Drop- 

Offs (penalty will be reassessed each day it is late) 

• Organization violates any of the policies regarding selling merchandise as 

an alternative fundraiser 

• Failure to comply with SORAAC 

• Failure to register canning trip before 11:59 PM the Friday of the fundraising 

weekend 

• Any unauthorized Alternative Fundraising Event 

• Use of unauthorized solicitation materials (i.e. posters, can wraps, 

solicitation cards, proof of donation cards) 

• Organization uses THON name, logo, “For The Kids” or Four Diamonds 

logo in an inappropriate manner in any form (i.e. clothing, poster, Web site) 

• Organization fails to order merchandise through one of the licensed vendors 

Unauthorized solicitation on University Property (i.e. Beaver Stadium) 

• An unauthorized Alternative Fundraising Event that promotes the sale or 

distribution of alcohol 

• Organization is found lying about contact with family 

• Organization deposits monies gained from solicitation into its University 

Associated Student Activities Account 

• Canning outside of the three determined Canning Weekends 

• Unsafe or illegal canister solicitation 

• Organization Member found canning without Canning Workshop attendance 

• An organization member is found canning without attending a canning 

workshop session 

• Organization is found to have forced volunteers to fundraise 

• Repeat offenses or combinations of offenses above 

• Any behavior that does not represent THON or Penn State with integrity as 

deemed necessary by the Overall Committee 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 or More 

66



APPENDIX E – PENALTIES ASSOCIATED WITH FUNDRAISING, MERCHANDISE, 

AND ADOPT-A-FAMIILY MISCONDUCT AS BASED ON POINTS SYSTEM 

Point(s) Accrued Penalty as Deemed Appropriate by Overall Committee 

1 Point • Meeting with Appropriate Member(s) of the Overall Committee and/or 

Captain Committee 

2 Points • Meeting with Appropriate Member(s) of the Overall Committee and/or 


• 5% Deduction of Funds Raised from Given Occasion 



• 10% Deduction of Funds Raised from Given Occasion 



• 100% Loss of Funds raised from given occasion 

• Potential Loss of Pass(es) 

• Potential Loss of Dancer Couple(s) 

5 Points • Meeting with Appropriate Member(s) of the Overall Committee 


• 3% Deduction of THON 2013 Total 


• Potential Loss of Dancer Couple(s) 





• Potential Loss of Dancer couple(s) 


• 100% Loss of funds from given occasion 




• Organization is “red-flagged” and will receive mandatory organization 

8 or more Points 

and/or Repeat 

and/or 

Egregious 

Offenses 

workshop from Family Relations Committee IF APPLICABLE 

• Meeting with Appropriate Member(s) of the Overall Committee 

• Loss of Funds from given occasion 




• Removal of AAF family IF APPLICABLE 

• Potential Loss of Participation in THON 

67


APPENDIX F – IMPORTANT DATES 

September 14, 2012 




IMPORTANT DATES 2012 

• 2013 splits and pairings due by 5pm 

• THON Chair Workshop #1 

• AAF Workshop #1 

September 26 – 

September 28, 2012 • Materials Distribution #1: 10am-5pm; 327 HUB 

September 27 


• AAF Applications due 

• Fundraising Window opens 

September 28 – 

September 30, 2012 • Canning Weekend #1 


• Canning Drop-Off #1 

October 8- October 12, 

2012 • THON 5K Runner Number distribution 




• THON 5K 

October 17 – October 

19, 2012 • Materials Distribution #2: 10am-5pm; 327 HUB 

October 19 – October 

21, 2012 • Canning Weekend #2 


November 4, 2012 


• THON Dodgeball 

November 5 – 

November 9, 2012 • THONvelope Distribution 


• 100 Days ‘til THON 2013 

68




November 9, 2012 • Materials Distribution #3: 10am-5pm; 327 HUB 


November 11, 2012 • Canning Weekend #3 



November 12, 2012 – 

November 16, 2012 • AAF Workshop #3 


November 29, 2012 • THONvelope Collection Week 


December 2, 2012 

• Mr. & Mrs. THON Pageant 

• Family Carnival 

IMPORTANT DATES 2013 

January 7, 2013 • Online Dancer Pre-Registration Opens, Pass List 

Opens 

January 14 – January 18, 


• THON Awareness Week 

January 14 – January 17, 



January 21, 2013 • Online Dancer Pre-Registration Closes 

January 22, 2013 • THON Chair Workshop #2 

January 24, 2013 • Road to THON Celebration 

January 25, 2013 • Last day to submit an order to approved vendors 

before THON weekend 

• Last day to submit Alternative Fundraiser 

Requests 

January 28, 2013 • In-Person Registration for All Independent 

Dancers/Lottery Organization Couples: 7-10pm, 

129 HUB 

January 29, 2013 • In-Person Registration for General 

Organizations/Special Interest Organizations: 7- 

10pm, 129 HUB 

January 30, 2013 • In-Person Registration for Greek 

Organizations/Commonwealth Campuses: 7- 

69



10pm, 129 HUB 

January 31, 2013 • Lottery Entrants should expect notification 


February 3, 2013 • Pass List Closes 

February 6, 2013 • Dancer Meeting #1 

• Color Wars Kick-Off 

February 7, 2013 • All Dancer Mail due by 7pm 

February 15, 2013 • Dancer Meeting #2: 4pm in Multi-Sport Facility 

February 16, 2013 • Commonwealth Campuses must bring remaining 

balance to a Finance Captain by Gate C 

February 15 – 17, 2013 • THON WEEKEND 2013! 

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2013 RULEBOOK - Thon

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