Patrick Gilbert

The Penn State Panhellenic/IFC Dance Marathon (THON) is a year long philanthropic effort with a mission to conquer childhood cancer by providing outstanding emotional and financial support to the children, families, researchers and staff of the Four Diamonds at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. It culminates every year with a 46 hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon and is the largest student run philanthropy in the world.

The Family Relations Committee provides year round… Show more

The Penn State Panhellenic/IFC Dance Marathon (THON) is a year long philanthropic effort with a mission to conquer childhood cancer by providing outstanding emotional and financial support to the children, families, researchers and staff of the Four Diamonds at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. It culminates every year with a 46 hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon and is the largest student run philanthropy in the world.

The Family Relations Committee provides year round assistance and support to The Four Diamonds families, keeping students informed and inspired, and working alongside the rest of THON's committees to ensure that the families remain at the heart of THON.

My role as Rules and Regulations Liaison was to develop the "Family Pass System," a complex capacity program that is used to ensure the safety of special guests (Four Diamonds families) and to train 40 Committee Members to execute the pass system throughout THON Weekend. I also served as an inter-committee liaison, planned alternative fundraising events within the Family Relations committee, and managed all other projects related to special guest security.
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In addition to competing in the National Collegiate Lacrosse League (NCLL), The Penn State Men's Club Lacrosse Team is an active participant in the Penn State Dance Marathon's mission to conquer childhood cancer. The Club Lacrosse program saw an increase from $16K in 2010 to $36K, $57K in 2011 and 2012. In 2013, the program raised more than $64K for childhood cancer care and research, the 5th highest total by any general organization participating in the Penn State Dance Marathon.

As… Show more

In addition to competing in the National Collegiate Lacrosse League (NCLL), The Penn State Men's Club Lacrosse Team is an active participant in the Penn State Dance Marathon's mission to conquer childhood cancer. The Club Lacrosse program saw an increase from $16K in 2010 to $36K, $57K in 2011 and 2012. In 2013, the program raised more than $64K for childhood cancer care and research, the 5th highest total by any general organization participating in the Penn State Dance Marathon.

As THON Chairperson for the organization's philanthropic initiatives, I coordinated fundraising trips that would include approximately 55 students spread across five states to solicit donations. Other responsibilities included an annual direct mailing campaign, managing social media, maintaining the organization's website, tracking online donations, planning alternative fundraising events, and managing relationships with corporate donors and alumni.

In an effort to provide emotional support for our adopted Four Diamonds Family, I organized events that fostered meaningful relationships between the family members and our volunteers. Additionally, I filmed, edited and produced a Family Feature Video that provided inspiration to thousands of THON enthusiasts.
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