Terp Thon 4423 Lehigh Road #892 College Park, MD 20740 Email: ExecutiveDirector@TerpThon.

org NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Rachel Poisall, email: rachelpoisall@gmail.com or cell: 443-472-3843

Terp Thon Takes on 20% Challenge Organization seeks to increase fundraising efforts
COLLEGE PARK, Md.Feb. 11, 2013This year, the University of Maryland studentrun organization Terp Thon seeks to increase the funds they raise for Childrens National Medical Center (CNMC) in Washington, D.C. by 20 percent--an effort they are calling the 20% Challenge. Last year, the organization raised more than $268,000, making their goal for this year more than $321,000. As of today, Terp Thon participants have raised more than $56,000 with the March 9 deadline 26 days away. 100 percent of our fundraising efforts goes directly to Children's National Medical Center, Executive Director Abby Dickes said. Were excited to continue the tradition of breaking records while raising money for the amazing kids and their families. Students who register for Terp Thon raise money individually via canning and asking for donations from friends and family. Each student who wishes to attend Terp Thons main event, a 12-hour dance marathon, must raise at least $100 by the deadline.

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Each year, more than 1,000 students serve as fundraisers for Terp Thon, making the organization one of the largest student groups on campus. This year, faculty and staff were invited to participate as fundraisers as well. In addition to raising money, Terp Thon raises awareness for CNMC, the only freestanding hospital in the D.C. area that exclusively offers pediatric care. CNMC provides nonprofit pediatric care for more than 300,000 children each year, regardless of their condition or insurance level, totaling more than $50 million dollars in uncompensated care thus far. The hospital is part of the Childrens Miracle Network program, which consists of numerous hospitals around the country that help local children. Terp Thon strives to raise more money each year for CNMC and Childrens Miracle Network with the annual dance marathon. We hope to see a dramatic increase in funds as we get closer to the event, Dickes said. Students can register for Terp Thon and begin raising money by visiting www.terpthon.org.

About Terp Thon: Terp Thon is a student-run organization at the University of Maryland that raises money for Childrens National Medical Center in association with the Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals Dance Marathon program. More than 1,000 students serve as active fundraisers for Terp Thons dance marathon event, which takes place every spring semester. The event lasts 12 hours, and includes dancing and activities that involve both the students and some of the children the students are helping. ###