Feb. 18, 2007

	Kylie, Gina, Nikki, and Ashley pose with Dr. Spanier and their THON child, Ashley Fazekas.

Members of the Lionettes Dance Team participated in Penn State's Dance Marathon (THON) from Friday, February 16th through Sunday, February 18th. Representing the Dance Team in the 46-hour marathon were Ashley Bradford, Nicole Corrao, Gina Oliva, and Kylie Runtas.

The Dance Team's participation in THON continues to grow each year, and the girls were proud to be involved in a variety of committees, such as Entertainment, Finance, Morale, Operations, Rules & Regulations, and Special Events. Two members also held captain positions: Kylie Runtas (Rules & Regulations Captain) and Kelly Silvis (Entertainment Captain/Pep Rally Coordinator).

This year the Dance Team had the honor of sponsoring a Four Diamonds Family. Ashley Fazekas was welcomed into the Lionettes' family and has officially earned the title of "Our Favorite Lil' Lionette." Ashley, 2-years-old, served as an inspiration to the team throughout the past year, and her presence at THON gave the dancers the energy and motivation to keep dancing! The team plans to keep in touch with the Fazekas family throughout the year, especially when Ashley turns 3-years-old in April!

"I had such an incredible weekend as a dancer in THON," said Ashley Bradford, who danced in THON. "For all 46 hours, I was surrounded by constant support, enthusiasm, and love from my teammates, my friends, my moralers, and my family, so that I could make it through the weekend for the kids. Our THON child, Ashley, was there all weekend, and just to see her happy and content despite her illness was enough to keep me on my feet and dancing. Raising over $5 million for the kids and persevering for the 46 hours of THON was an experience I will always carry with me."

For many of the Lionettes, this was their first experience at THON. Caitlin Donnangelo, a freshman on the team, said "There is only one word to describe my first THON....amazing. I had seen THON before because my sister went to Penn State, and I was blown away then. This year, actually being a part of it and knowing I was a part of making that $5.2 million possible is the best feeling in the world. I can't wait until next year!"

$5,240,385.17 was raised for the Four Diamonds Fund, and the Lionettes were proud to contribute more than $12,000. The Dance Team would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of THON 2007, and say congratulations to our four dancers!

To view more photos from THON 2007, visit the photo gallery.