Schuylkill community businesses assist with campus THON fundraiser

J. Bertolet Volkswagen, Mrs. T's Pierogies, and Pottsville Broadcasting partnered with members of the Penn State Schuylkill THON organization to host their inaugural Tug-a-Bug event. The event was held in support of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON), which benefits the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and the fight against pediatric cancer.

On Oct. 6, a campus van transported students to J. Bertolet Volkswagen in Orwigsburg, where dealership owner Jack Bertolet welcomed them. The yellow "Pierogie Bug," a Volkswagen Beetle sponsored by Mrs. T's Pierogies, was also there, waiting to be used as part of a contest to see which team could pull it across the finish line in the fastest time. With assistance from station manager Jim Bowman, T-102 radio in Pottsville was on-site with disc jockey RC to provide a live, remote broadcast of the exciting activities.

Six Penn State groups competed, including: the Community Service Club, Criminal Justice Club, THON, LGBTQ, Lion Ambassadors, and a faculty/staff team, with the Lion Ambassadors winning the award for the best dressed team and the Criminal Justice Club taking the prize for best time.

Kelly M. Austin, chancellor of Penn State Schuylkill, was also present at the event, and he was pleased to see the successful, collaborative effort between students and the community. "We are grateful for the generosity and support of our local business partners. Their commitment to Penn State Schuylkill, and to THON, is a treasured gift that benefits this most worthwhile cause," said Austin. "The dedication of our students in supporting the Four Diamonds Fund is truly awe inspiring."

The event raised more than $1,200. All funds raised by the Penn State Schuylkill THON organization will count toward the campus' total, which will be announced at THON's annual 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon to be held Feb. 19-21, 2016, in the Bryce Jordan Center on Penn State's University Park campus.