Penn State Harrisburg dove into the water as the annual Swim For A Cure event was held on campus. The swim is a fundraiser for THON hosted by PSH THON co-advisor Holly Maitland McKenna.
“This event is the twelfth annual Swim For A Cure event benefiting THON. We have lots of people from the campus and the community coming in to raise money,” McKenna said.
Over the years, Swim For A Cure has lasted anywhere from 8 hours to 46 hours. This year the event lasted 24 hours. Members of Penn State Harrisburg’s THON committee, families, and even Penn State Harrisburg’s men’s basketball team joined McKenna in the water to swim along and support her.
THON members Maggie Sicchitanto and Chelsy Sippora Funebe were excited to Swim with McKenna.
“Being here with Holly means a lot to me. I just really want to put as much effort and heart into donating for THON. I think this is equally as important to being a dancer. I want to give Holly all the support I can,” Sicchianto stated.
“Participating gives me a chance to support Holly and just to keep going and do it for the kids. It’s keeping the main focus on THON and the Four Diamonds,” Funebe described.
For McKenna, the event’s main focus is for THON and the community to help kids in need.
“This swim means so much to me. It’s fabulous getting our campus [together], working with the community and all the swimmers that come in to raise money for the Penn State Dance Marathon, Four Diamonds Fund, Hershey Children’s Hospital and just bringing our whole community together to help the kids,” McKenna explained.
This year the swim raised a total of $6,119 . In the twelve years of Swim For A Cure, Holly Maitland McKenna has raised a grand total of $69,175.32. McKenna will continue to hold this event in future semesters.
