[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S2257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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SENATE RESOLUTION 411--CONGRATULATING THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY 
 IFC/PANHELLENIC DANCE MARATHON ON ITS CONTINUED SUCCESS IN SUPPORT OF 
    THE FOUR DIAMONDS FUND AT PENN STATE HERSHEY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

  Mr. CASEY submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 411

       Whereas the Pennsylvania State University IFC/Panhellenic 
     Dance Marathon (referred to in this preamble as ``THON'') is 
     the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, with 700 
     dancers, more than 300 supporting organizations, and more 
     than 15,000 volunteers involved in the annual event;
       Whereas student volunteers at the Pennsylvania State 
     University annually collect money and dance for 46 
     consecutive hours at the Bryce Jordan Center for THON, 
     bringing energy and excitement to the Pennsylvania State 
     University campus for the mission of conquering pediatric 
     cancer and promoting awareness of the disease to thousands of 
     individuals;
       Whereas all THON activities support the mission of the Four 
     Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital, 
     which provides financial and emotional support to pediatric 
     cancer patients and their families and funds research on 
     pediatric cancer;
       Whereas, each year, THON is the largest donor to the Four 
     Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital, 
     having raised more than $88,000,000 since 1977, when the 2 
     organizations first became affiliated;
       Whereas, in 2012, THON set a new fundraising record of 
     $10,686,924.83, surpassing the previous record of 
     $9,563,016.09, set in 2011;
       Whereas THON--
       (1) has helped more than 2,000 families through the Four 
     Diamonds Fund;
       (2) is helping to build a new Pediatric Cancer Pavilion at 
     Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital; and
       (3) has supported pediatric cancer research that has caused 
     some pediatric cancer survival rates to increase to nearly 90 
     percent; and
       Whereas THON has inspired similar events and organizations 
     across the United States, including at high schools and 
     institutions of higher education, and continues to encourage 
     students across the United States to volunteer and stay 
     involved in great charitable causes in their communities: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) congratulates the Pennsylvania State University IFC/
     Panhellenic Dance Marathon (referred to in this resolution as 
     ``THON'') on its continued success in support of the Four 
     Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital; and
       (2) commends the Pennsylvania State University students, 
     volunteers, and supporting organizations who worked hard to 
     put together another record-breaking THON.

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