[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 32 (Wednesday, March 6, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S1237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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  SENATE RESOLUTION 68--CONGRATULATING THE PENN STATE IFC/PANHELLENIC 
DANCE MARATHON ON ITS CONTINUED SUCCESS IN SUPPORT OF THE FOUR DIAMONDS 
             FUND AT PENN STATE HERSHEY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

  Mr. CASEY (for himself and Mr. Toomey) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                               S. Res. 68

       Whereas the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon 
     (commonly referred to as ``THON'') is the largest student-run 
     philanthropy in the world, with 710 dancers, more than 15,000 
     volunteers, and more than 300 supporting organizations 
     involved in the annual event;
       Whereas student volunteers at the Pennsylvania State 
     University annually raise money and dance for 46 consecutive 
     hours at the Bryce Jordan Center, 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 THON is the largest donor to the Four Diamonds Fund 
     at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital each year, having 
     raised more than $100,000,000 since 1977, when the 2 
     organizations first partnered;
       Whereas, in 2013, THON set a new fundraising record of 
     $12,374,034.46, surpassing the previous record of 
     $10,686,924.83, set in 2012;
       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 organizations and events 
     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 remain 
     involved in great charitable causes in their communities: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) congratulates the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance 
     Marathon (commonly referred to 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 for their hard work 
     in organizing another record-breaking THON.

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