Penn State Italian Student Society (ISS)- Mini Series

Chapter 1: Igniting Hope Within

Penn State’s Italian Student Society is preparing for their favorite weekend happening in just TWO days. THON is a student-run philanthropy committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. Its mission is to provide emotional and financial support, spread awareness and ensure funding for critical research – all in pursuit of a cure. Yearlong fundraising efforts culminate in a 46-hour Dance Marathon, which is happening this weekend! Live stream the weekend here!

I got the chance to sit down with the Italian Student Society’s THON chair, Julianna Azzizzo, and learn more about their fundraising efforts for THON 2017. The club was founded in 2007 and has been actively participating in THON since 2011. They are a small organization with about 35 active members who are a mix of Italian majors and minors, Italian descent and students who just want to learn more about the Italian culture. Last year ISS raised $10,000 for the kids, this year they are hoping to beat their total.

Italian Student Society members at THON 2016, last year.

Their fundraising efforts for THON 2017 started in September. The club participated in “canning weekends” where students stood outside of storefronts, on sidewalks and at other locations holding specially marked cans and signs, encouraging passers-by to donate money to THON.  They also host a pasta dinner at the Dorito Church downtown every year. Unlimited pasta with homemade sauce, garlic bread and dessert are served for just a $5 entry fee. This is an event that’s unique to the club. Thonvelopes are also mailed to potential donors. This is the most successful and efficient way to get donations from friends and family while also raising awareness for THON. This year the Italian Student Society also hosted a “Holiday Cash Raffle”. Tickets were $5 each and gave participants the chance to win the grand prize of $500. This was an extremely successful fundraising technique for the club this year, raising over $1,000 for THON. Learn more about the Italian Student Society’s Four Diamonds Family and THON child, Aleah, in Chapter 2: Sua Bambina, Aleah.

Julianna and other Italian Student Society members participating in canning to raise money for THON.

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