Mini-THON started in 1973 at Penn State University as a student-run philanthropy event to raise money for the Four Diamonds Fund, which supports children and families affected by pediatric cancer. The event was inspired by the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON), which is a larger, 46-hour dance marathon held annually to raise funds for the same cause. Mini-THON events have since spread to other schools and communities across the United States, with students organizing their own mini dance marathons to raise money for pediatric cancer research and support.
The pep rally started at 2 p.m. in the main gymnasium where the 2024-2027 classes competed against one another in several challenges such as balloon popping, musical chairs, wheelbarrow racing and basketball half court shots.
Some students participated in the head shaving and hair cutting event, the latter group donating their hair to children with cancer.
At 4 p.m. students rose from the bleachers to stand and remain standing for the next six hours, a way of showing support to those with childhood cancer. Until 7:30, students had the opportunity to play games against their friends, bracket-style, such as basketball, volleyball, pickleball, spike ball, dodgeball, escape room, family feud, ping pong, cornhole and more.
Activities that did not require sign ups were also available such as a variety of board games and trampoline ball. Students also had the opportunity to pay $5 to pet dogs set up in five-minute time slots.
Food at Mini-THON included Chick-fil-A sandwiches, potato fries, cheese pizza, tomato pie, soft pretzels and chips. Desserts included doughnuts, ice cream, cookies, brownies, and Rice Krispie treats.
Family Hour began at 8 p.m. featuring freshman Kylie Cummings from Souderton High School who shared her experience about being diagnosed with a rare heart cancer last summer. She is currently undergoing radiation therapy. Students were able to ask questions and take photos with the family.
Glow Hour, beginning at 9 p.m., featured Mini-THON glow sticks available for students to wave on the dance floor.
At evening’s end, the overalls revealed the total amount of money raised this year for childhood cancer: $64,731.08.
Below are quotes from Mini-THON’s club officers:
Dannie Bordonaro (Head Overall of Hospitality Committee): “It was a wonderful experience and incredibly eye-opening to the harsh fact that so many kids(like us) struggle with cancer. I’m especially so proud of the hospitality committee as we came together to feed 600+ kids at the event that raised 64,000+ dollars; I highly recommend that all underclassmen come back next year and get involved!”
Shivani Joshi (Head Overall of Finance Committee): “Throughout Mini-THON my committee spent months creating and putting together a casino themed escape room that was definitely a hit throughout the night! I really enjoyed doing my part to make Mini-THON such an amazing event by overseeing many of the helping hands and also calculating all the money we were able to raise thanks to everyone who participated in Mini-THON.”
Hana Nouaime (Head Overall of Advertising Committee): “As advertising overall, I would make social media posts and flyers that would keep the community updated on upcoming events and activities. I’m super proud of everyone I worked with this year; I think this year’s Mini-THON event was one of the smoothest running ones yet!”
Caroline Rosti (Head Overall of Family Relations Committee): “Mini-THON has been one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had during my time at Methacton. I love what I’ve gotten to do with my job as family relations overall, getting to connect and meet some of the people who are actually receiving the money we raise is so incredible and really puts the cause we are fighting for into perspective.”
Julian Tocci (Head Overall of Entertainment Committee): “I’ve been involved with the club for the last three years and I’ve loved my experience as a member, captain, and overall. It’s great to be part of such an amazing cause, especially when you’re surrounded with other people who step up and work hard for a common goal.”
Akhil Yeluri (Head Overall of Fundraising Committee): “[Fundraising is a] good amount of work, especially as Mini-THON starts to come around, but it’s 100 percent worth it. The experience is super rewarding, and although it’s bittersweet because it’s my last Mini-THON, I’m really glad that my last year was as successful as it was.”
