Penn State University

The University of Pittsburgh announced that well-known and highly respected business leader, investor, author and philanthropist William S. Dietrich II plans to make a gift of a $125 million fund in support of the university. This is the largest individual gift to Pitt in its 225-year history and is one of the 10 largest gifts made by an individual to a public university in the United States. The fund will become operational upon Dietrich’s passing.

Who knew conquering the dance floor could rake in so much money? College students from all over the country broke fund-raising records with dance marathons this year. Students generated almost $500,000 at Florida State University, $1-million at Northwestern University, and nearly $10-million at Penn State University.

Organizers cannot say what exactly made their marathons so appealing this year, but they agree that people wanted to support the children’s health charities and other causes that benefited from the events.

Chris Ulmer turned his passion for running into a fundraising drive for Teach for America, asking supporters to donate money for each one of the 250 miles he plans to run from Penn State to his home in Willow Grove, Pa., upon graduation.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa., Associated Press — The Penn State Nittany Lions' workout schedule Friday includes lifting weights and pull-ups, followed by an odd assortment of drills like pulling sleds and pushing around giant tractor-trailer tires in front of hundreds of fans.

Like any charity event, a golf tournament has the potential to raise a good deal of money for a nonprofit organization. Community members and local companies alike often are eager to participate with charitable contributions and other support.

But — also like any event, charity or otherwise — golf tournaments take a good deal of planning to be successful.