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‘We, Too, Can Dance’

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Professional dance instructors Richard and Laurie Crossland, far right, conduct beginner dance lessons at the “We, Too, Can Dance” charity social sponsored by the Penn State Club of Washington-Greene counties.

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Maggie Harding of State College, a senior at Penn State University, dances with Bobby Walter of State College at the “We, Too, Can Dance” charity social at Julian’s Banquet Hall. Harding was one of 707 students who danced at THON 2014 to raise money for Four Diamonds Fund at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Children’s Hospital.

Maggie Harding says dancing in THON is harder than enduring grueling six-hour volleyball practices led by Penn State coach Russ Rose.

But for the two-time NCAA Division I volleyball champion, the payoff is definitely sweeter.

“It’s unbelieveable to be there,” Harding said. “These kids look forward to THON more than they look forward to Christmas.”

THON is a 46-hour dance marathon held annually at Penn State’s Bryce Jordan Center to benefit the Four Diamonds Fund at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Children’s Hospital, which provides support for patients and families battling pediatric cancer. THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, and in February, it raised more than $13.34 million.

Harding was a guest of the Penn State Club of Washington-Greene counties last Saturday at its fourth annual “We, Too, Can Dance” charity social at Julian’s Banquet Hall.

And the club did its part to help the cause, raising $4,750 for THON. In the previous three years, the club raised more than $10,000.

In the spirit of giving, professional dance instructors Richard and Laurie Crossland also provided beginner dance lessons for the crowd.

Will Martin of Pittsburgh, who served as executive director of THON 2013, said he enjoys attending alumni functions for THON, and even though they “may not raise a ton of money, we appreciate everything we see alumni doing.”

“Every year, it never ceases to amaze me,” said Martin, noting that THON raised $40 million during his four years at Penn State. “Four Diamonds truly is making a difference. No family is ever turned away.”

THON was founded in 1973 and has raised more than $100,000,000 since its inception. Earlier marathons raised money for various charitable organizations, such as the American Heart Association and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Harding grew up in State College, so she knew all about THON. But because of her demanding schedule as a student-athlete, she was relegated to the sidelines her first three years – although she did receive an honorary floor pass last year as a “moraler.”

After the volleyball season – and her college career – ended in December, Harding wasted little time soliciting donations for THON. She ended up raising more than $5,000 and was selected as a dancer – one of 707 in THON – to represent the Student Athlete Advisory Board.

“It was very humbling to see how much people gave to give me a chance to dance,” said Harding, who trained for THON by heeding the advice of organizers: stay active and avoid caffeine for a month.

It worked, she said, although “you get a little loopy here and there.”

Harding said the last four hours of THON are the most difficult, but also the most rewarding. That’s when dancers stand in one place as Four Diamonds families are united with them.

“Aside from sitting down, it’s my favorite part,” Harding said. “It gets really, really emotional.”

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