This year, THON has introduced a brand new event to its calendar. Chords For a Cure will be a benefit concert taking place on January 19th in Eisenhower auditorium. This morning it was announced that Boyce Avenue and Walk the Moon will be performing at the event.

We have all heard stories about Penn Staters getting creative to raise money for THON, but this fundraiser by special interest org FOTO might just take the cake. Astronomy Professor Brad Barlow will deliver a lecture today dressed as Buddy the Elf at 11:15 in 105 Forum as part of an embarrassing fashion auction for THON.

As THON 2013 creeps closer each day, I compiled a little background information on each of the overalls. Today features Hospitality Overall John Mazzochette. Also, make sure to watch the HOS Committee of the Week video at the end of the post!

Four Diamonds Families, captains, and committee members packed in the White Building gym to celebrate this year's Family Carnival. Under the theme of superheroes, children and students ran about, engaging in gallant balloon-sword battles and breaking through cardboard brick walls, donning capes and FTK designed masks.

The Four Diamonds Children coursed through a multitude of games, including ski ball and whac-a-mole (whac-a-committee-member technically), taking breaks to show off their dance moves on the stage to the upbeat tunes of Larry Moore. Smiles, laughter, and relief filled the afternoon, as everyone awaited the revealing of the 2013 logo.

The Penn State Hershey Children’s Hostpital celebrated its official completion this week with several dedications. On Saturday the brand new 263,000 square-foot facility opened its doors for a public dedication. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the dedication with Penn State Altoona benefiting THON’s Four Diamonds family, the Kratzers. This was the first opportunity for the public to get an inside look at the new hospital which cost nearly $207 million dollars. To many, the hospital is more than just a building -- it will serve as home.