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6ABC WPVI-TV Philadelphia To Produce Telecast ‘Dancing for a Cure – Live From Thon™’ Saturday, Feb. 18, at 7 P.M.

New York’s WABC and Other Northeast Affiliates To Syndicate

For the second consecutive year, 6abc WPVI-TV Philadelphia will showcase the world’s largest student-run philanthropy – THON™. Penn State students will once again stay on their feet for 46 hours, raising money to fight childhood cancer. Last year, students raised more than $13 million, shattering the previous total from 2014. 6abc will air a live half hour telecast from THON™ on Saturday, Feb. 18^th at 7pm ET.

Penn State’s THON is now in its 51^st year. All money raised benefits Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital in Hershey, Pennsylvania. THON’s first dance marathon in 1973 raised just over $2,000. Since then, THON has raised more than $203 million.

THON kicks off Friday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m. and wraps up 46 hours later on Sunday at 4 p.m. “Dancing For a Cure – Live From THON” will be hosted by 6abc’s Bob Brooks, Walter Perez and Brittany Boyer. The exclusive underwriter for the broadcast will be Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.

“I feel so fortunate to be working with 6abc this year to showcase the magic of THON Weekend 2023,” said Lily Pevoto, executive director of THON. “The impact that this organization has on so many children, families, students, alumni, and supporters is immeasurable, and I can’t wait to be able to give a glimpse of it all through this year’s program.”

The program will also be syndicated to other television markets, including New York. With its syndication partners, roughly 16% of American homes will have access to the program.

Stations simulcasting the program will be the following:

• WABC New York
• WTAE Pittsburgh 
• WHTM Harrisburg 
• WATM State College

“THON is truly an inspirational event,” said 6abc President & General Manager Bernie Prazenica. “The students of Penn State are to be commended on their ability to conduct and operate an organization that raises $200 million to fight cancer. Through 6abc and our simulcast partners in New York, Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania, we look forward to supporting the PSU students in having another record-breaking year.”  

THON is a year-round effort to raise money in the fight against childhood cancer. Each spring, new student leadership is selected. During the summer, the student volunteers conduct outreach with smaller fundraising efforts and pay visits to Four Diamonds families impacted by childhood cancer. In the fall, the planning for the dance marathon kicks into high gear. The students mobilize all the team captains, and THON Weekend begins to take shape.

THON is programmed and produced entirely by Penn State students. They configure the Bryce Jordan Center. They build the stage. They also manage the concessions and handle all the custodial duties. And, of course, the estimated 700 student dancers stay on their feet for 46 hours straight.

“We continue to be inspired by the relentless efforts of everyone involved with THON to conquer childhood cancer,” said Dr. Yatin Vyas, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and pediatrician-in-chief at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. “Their hard work and generosity helps to ensure that all medical expenses are covered for Four Diamonds Children who are treated for cancer at our Children’s Hospital while also making possible a diverse platform of childhood cancer research that seeks improved treatments and cures to benefit kids in Pennsylvania and around the world.”

About Four Diamonds
Four Diamonds’ mission is to conquer childhood cancer. Since its creation in 1972, Four Diamonds has helped more than 4,800 children and families by covering 100% of medical bills for every Four Diamonds family. Four Diamonds also supports a robust pediatric cancer research program at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine, which is dedicated to seeking improved treatments and cures for childhood cancer to benefit every child around the world. For more information, visit FourDiamonds.org.

About 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia
For over half a century, 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia has been broadcasting to viewers in the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys, an area covering southeastern Pennsylvania, northern and central Delaware and southern New Jersey. As the No. 1 station in Philadelphia for almost 45 years, 6abc Action News delivers local news, information, traffic and weather to more than 3 million homes. Action News captures over half of all Adult 25-54 news viewers on an average day*. In the past year, Action News has won 2,462 out of 2,491 newscasts in Households for a winning percentage of 98.8%.^†  

*Based on December 2022 Nielsen survey.

†Based on January – December 2022 Nielsen data

Media Contacts:
6abc WPVI-TV
Mike Monsell
mike.monsell@abc.com

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‘The 6ABC Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade’ Returns to the Parkway on 6ABC Thursday, Nov. 24 (8:30 A.M. EST) and Live on Hulu

The 103^rd Annual Tradition and Philadelphia’s No. 1 Parade Will be Star-Studded With Celebrity and Local Appearances and Performances, Featuring WPVI’s Rick Williams, Cecily Tynan, Adam Joseph, Karen Rogers and Alicia Vitarelli, With ‘Good Morning America’’s Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee, Quinta Brunson and Sheryl Lee Ralph from ‘Abbott Elementary,’ Carson Kressley, and musical guest The Spinners.

Viewers Can Stream ‘The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade’ on 6abc.com, 6abc Philadelphia News App, and 6abc Connected Television Apps on Fire TV, Google TV, Apple TV and Roku Platforms.Also available live on Hulu, and on Hulu VOD through Dec. 31.

6abc, Philadelphia’s most-watched television station and leading news source, rings in the holiday season with its 12-year title sponsor Dunkin’ for the “The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade” on Thursday, Nov. 24 (8:30 a.m. EST). Philadelphia’s hometown parade beginswith a half-hour preview show, followed by three hours of celebrity appearances, performances and a sweepstakes promotion throughout the parade’s broadcast. The event is hosted by 6abc Action News’ Rick Williams, Cecily Tynan, Adam Joseph, Karen Rogers and Alicia Vitarelli, with special guest hosts 6abc’s Jim Gardner, Carson Kressley and “Good Morning America”’s chief meteorologist Ginger Zee.

Viewers from across the country will be able to watch the telecast in nine additional markets, including ABC-owned ABC11/WTVD-TV Raleigh Durham, and it will be available to stream live on Hulu and 6abc.com. The popular Dunkin’ Fan Cam is back LIVE on the streets of Philadelphia, following hosts Alicia and Adam throughout the parade as they share in the festivities with parade-goers and engage with viewers via social media hashtag #6abcTDP. Special guests Kressley and Zee will be joined by Quinta Brunson and Sheryl Lee Ralph from the hit ABC show “Abbott Elementary.” Musical guests also making appearances at the parade are The Spinners, Thelma Houston, Smokey Robinson, C+C Music Factory, Leah Marlene from “American Idol” and Chapel Hart from “America’s Got Talent.” Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are always a crowd favorite, and as tradition holds, Santa and Mrs. Claus will close out the parade to mark the official start of the Christmas season! Click here for a full list of special appearances and parade participants.

“Our 6abc staff and our team of volunteers take great pride in producing this event. To share this holiday tradition with our viewers at home and also with the thousands of parade-goers who line the parade route is truly magical”, said Bernie Prazenica, president and general manager of 6abc/WPVI. “And this is all made possible by the support we receive from Dunkin’ and our corporate partners. We can’t thank them enough”.

“Dunkin’ and our greater Philadelphia-area franchisees are thrilled to return to the Parkway to kick off the holiday season with Philadelphia’s favorite Thanksgiving Day tradition,” said Jackie Keown, field marketing director for Dunkin’. “We are so grateful to join the celebration once again as the title sponsor of ‘The 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade’ and look forward to seeing you on Thanksgiving Day!”

Joining title sponsor Dunkin’ (dunkindonuts.com) as major corporate sponsors are ACME (acmemarkets.com), RAM Trucks (ramtrucks.com), NRG (picknrg.com), and Commonwealth Charter Academy ( https://ccaeducate.me/).

Additionally, viewers will have the opportunity to win numerous prizes, including free Dunkin’ coffee for a year and a vacation for four to Walt Disney World Resorts^®! The sweepstakes and rules pertaining to the prizes can be found at 6abc’s “Watch & Win.”

The parade also offers spectators a chance to support the 6abc Dunkin’ Holiday Food Drive. Parade-goers are invited to bring a few canned goods to pass to Scouts, who will collect donations along the parade route. This is a chance to give back and help fight hunger around the region.

Editor’s Note: Click here for a full list and parade participants.

**Syndicated Stations and Markets Parade Will Broadcast:

About 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia
For over half a century, 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia has been broadcasting to viewers in the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys, an area covering southeastern Pennsylvania, northern and central Delaware and southern New Jersey. As the No. 1 station in Philadelphia for almost 45 years, 6abc Action News delivers local news, traffic and weather to more than 3 million homes.

Action News captures nearly half of all Adult 25-54 news viewers on an average day*.

In the past year, Action News has won 2,478 out of 2,498 newscasts in Households for a winning percentage of 98.2%.^†

*Based on January – September 2022 Nielsen data.

†Based on September 2021 – August 2022 Nielsen data.

Press Contact:
Ambir Sniezko: Ambir.Sniezko@abc.com 
Mike Monsell: mike.monsell@abc.com

Press Credentials:
Contact: diane.hamlet@abc.com

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WPVI To Produce and Broadcast ’THON™ – 50 Years for the Kids®,” a Celebration of the World’s Largest Student-Run Philanthropy on Saturday, Feb. 19 (7:00 P.M. EST)

The Half-Hour Special Will Air on 6abc Philadelphia, ABC7/WABC-NY, an ABC-Owned Station and the No.1 Station in the Country, Along With Other Northeast Affiliates Set To Air the Historic Telecast

6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia will produce and broadcast “THON™ – 50 Years For The Kids^®,” set to air Saturday, Feb. 19, 7:00 p.m. EST, in honor of Penn State’s THON, the world’s largest student-run philanthropy. For five decades, THON has held a dance marathon that is now 46 hours of dancing to raise money for children battling cancer. The highly popular and successful initiative that began in 1973 has raised more than $190 million. All money raised benefits Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, the exclusive underwriter for the broadcast, in Hershey, Pennsylvania. “THON – 50 Years For The Kids” will be hosted by 6abc’s Walter Perez, Alicia Vitarelli and Ducis Rodgers.

The 30-minute special will air on 6abc and its 24/7 streaming channel. Viewers will tune in during the dance marathon’s 25^th hour of dancing. Celebrating the history and purpose of the event, the special will air live video from State College where THON takes place.

“I am so thrilled to be working with Penn State Health and 6abc on this program highlighting the 50 years of THON,” said Kate Colgan, executive director of THON. “This organization and the work that it does is one of the most incredible things that I have ever experienced, and I am ecstatic to be able to share its story with so many.”

The program will also be syndicated to other Pennsylvania television markets that include Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Scranton, and lastly New York, expanding linear viewership to roughly 11% of American homes who will now have access to watch the historical program. Additionally, the program will be offered across 6abc’s 24/7 streaming channels, allowing viewers, regardless of the market they live in, to stream the program on their mobile or connected TV apps through Roku, Android TV, Fire TV and Apple TV.

The stations simulcasting the program include the following:

• WABC New York (an ABC-owned television station)
• WTAE Pittsburgh 
• WHTM Harrisburg -Lancaster -Lebanon -York
• WNEP Wilkes Barre – Scranton 
• WATM Johnstown-Altoona

“All of us in the Penn State community are awestruck by the scale and impact of THON, and the remarkable accomplishments of Penn State students year after year, for half a century,” said Eric Barron, president of Penn State. “Our students have built an unparalleled movement in the fight against pediatric cancer. This special will expand THON’s message and fundraising to even larger numbers. I know viewers will be inspired by the magic our students create and the incredible families they serve.” 

“Through our news coverage, we have shined a spotlight on THON for more than 10 years, so it brings all of us immense joy to produce a televised celebration that showcases the extraordinary dedication and accomplishments of these student volunteers,” said Bernie Prazenica, president and general manager of WPVI. “We hope this live broadcast will extend THON’s message to a whole new audience of supporters.”

THON is a year-round effort to raise money in the fight against childhood cancer. Each spring, new student leadership is selected; and, in the summer, the student volunteers conduct outreach with smaller fundraising efforts and pay visits to Four Diamonds families impacted by childhood cancer. In the fall, the planning for the dance marathon kicks into high gear with students mobilizing all the team captains, and THON Weekend takes shape.

THON is programmed and produced entirely by Penn State students who configure the Bryce Jordan Center, build the stage, manage the concessions, and handle all the custodial duties. And, of course, the estimated 700 student dancers stay on their feet for 46 hours straight.

“The hard work and generosity of everyone involved with THON ensure that young people battling cancer can receive the most advanced care at our Children’s Hospital at no cost to their families,” said Dr. Yatin Vyas, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and pediatrician-in-chief at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. “The money raised for Four Diamonds helps our physicians, clinical researchers and scientists in their efforts to better understand, treat and cure pediatric cancers.”

About Four Diamonds
Four Diamonds’ mission is to conquer childhood cancer. Since its creation in 1972, Four Diamonds has helped more than 4,800 children and families by covering 100% of medical bills for every Four Diamonds family. Four Diamonds also supports a robust pediatric cancer research program at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine, which is dedicated to seeking improved treatments and cures for childhood cancer to benefit every child around the world. For more information, visit FourDiamonds.org.

About 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia
For over half a century, 6abc/WPVI-TV Philadelphia has been broadcasting to viewers in the Delaware and Lehigh Valleys, an area covering southeastern Pennsylvania, northern and central Delaware and southern New Jersey. As the No. 1 station in Philadelphia for almost 45 years, 6abc Action News delivers local news, information, traffic and weather to more than 3 million homes. Action News captures over half of all Adult 25-54 news viewers on an average day*. In the past year, Action News has won 2,633 out of 2,662 newscasts in Households for a winning percentage of 98.9%.^†  

*Based on April 2020 Nielsen survey

†Based on May 2019 – April 2020 Nielsen data

Media Contacts:
6abc WPVI-TV
Mike Monsell
mike.monsell@abc.com