More than 300 members of the Penn State community gathered on Friday, January 23 at the landmark venue Capitale, for the inaugural Hope Gala, to benefit the IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. The fundraiser, led by Overall Chairperson Aaron Jones (Class of 2005) and dozens of volunteers, raised more than $10,000 For the Kids through raffles and a silent auction that featured unique items like a shopping outing with a celebrity stylist, tickets to a 2009 Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants match-up, and an opportunity to watch a rehearsal of Saturday Night Live.

The night kicked-off with a surprise performance by the Blue Band, who made a special trip to the Big Apple just for the event. Hosted by former Food Network star Jill Cordes (Class of 1992), the Hope Gala also featured several speakers, including Dr. Dave Ungar, a board member of the Four Diamonds Fund and clinical director of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. The highlight of the evening came from Michael Palm, a 13-year-old cancer survivor who is supported by the Four Diamonds Fund. Michael bravely shared his story of courage, wisdom, honesty, and strength, alongside his parents and sisters.

Even though the event lasted more than four hours, the party didn’t end at Capitale—guests continued to enjoy the night at hip downtown lounge The Delancy, who graciously donated 15 percent of the evening’s sales to THON.