<p>Penn State students raise $12,374,034.46 during this year’s 46 hour dance marathon. “The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, affectionately known as THON, is a yearlong effort to raise funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer.” Totally student run. I am so very proud!</p>
<p>First reaction to the thread before opening it? The Paterno’s clan must be at it again. Against a sea of well-deserved poor publicity for the “GreeK” it is nice to read that, once in a blue moon, those groups do a bit of good.</p>
<p>Not just the Greeks. Actually the organization that raised the most money, $540,000 was Atlas, an organization based out of the Schreyer’s Honor College.</p>
<p>It is a great cause, and the largest philanthropic fundraiser at any college, I believe. It has also been copied by high schools in the state, which hold mini-thons during the same weekend.</p>
<p>It is such a shame that Penn State students still have to carry the stigma of the events over the past year, when so many are involved in so many good things.</p>
<p>And before I even opened this thread, I knew there would be someone downplaying this accomplishment because of something completely outside of the fundraisers’ hands. </p>
<p>They will as long as football remains the school most visible image with its unabated and contritionless pageantry on display every Saturday during the Fall. And this by choice.</p>
<p>Of course, it is business as usual in Happy Valley. A slap on the wrist and a small bump on the road. The scandals were forgotten by the time the refs blew the whistle of the first game in front of the same adoring crowd. </p>
<p>That’s true - business as usual for the students means back to classes, studying, and beginning to raise money for THON14. Over 100 million isn’t enough for them - they will keep at it raising money for the kids. </p>
<p>Spend an afternoon listening to the Four Diamond families telling their story - and the amazingly impact that Thon has had on their family and you will truly understand the positive impact that Penn State students have had on so many lives. Spend an weekend out in the cold canning for money. Spend 46 hours without sitting down or sleeping. Spend countless hours all year planning, coordinating and running the event.</p>
<p>Predictable? Yes, it is. They do this each and every year. I find it impressive and am proud of everyone involved.</p>
<p>THis post is actually in response to a “private message” you sent me…which I typed a response to…only to then find out I haven’t posted enough comments here to qualify to respond to private messages.</p>
<p>Anyway, hope you see this and it helps.</p>
<p>Re: Raleigh:</p>
<p>I would not recommend S. or SE Raleigh. Your son is correct in his assessment and it doesn’t have any decent social establishments.</p>
<p>I would recommend the Glenwood Ave area and or Peach Street. You best bets are going to be the north side of town. Keep in mind you will pay much more, but may be able to find a decent place there if you’re willing to trek a bit further to the social scene or ride the free R-Line bus. </p>
<p>Glenwood/Peace/West/ Edenton… is the area for the city’s nightlife. There is a somewhat smaller “scene” on the East central part of town as well.</p>
<p>One other option would be simply moving from south of NCSU central campus where he is now, to the north side - aobve Hillsborough and the Cameron Village area.</p>
<p>Let me know if you have questions on specific areas. We’ve lived here 20 years and have worked in the downtown area.</p>