Penn Manor students and community members raising $40,115.23 for the Four Diamonds Fund, which assists childhood cancer patients and their families. The initial goal for this year was to raise $30,000.
Penn Manor collaborates with the entire school and multiple clubs to raise funds for the cause. Some of the activities that raised funds were through Math Stall Day, FFA Line Dancing, Trunk or Treat, No Shave November, Powder Puff football game, GoldOut game during football season, a number of food sales, and donations from community members and local businesses.
A staff versus student basketball and Penn Manor Theatre Troupe’s play “night of one acts” also donated the admissions costs to Mini-THON.
Penn Manor Mini-THON was hosted at the high school from Friday, February 27 at 10:00 p.m. until Saturday, February 28 at 5:00 a.m.
PMHS students Sophie Getz, Kaylahni Laboy, and Audrey Martin were tasked with recruiting other students to help plan the event, alongside Mini-THON Club advisor and health and physical education teacher, Billie Jo Kramer.
A group of 40 students in the club created the itinerary of activities for attendees to participate in throughout the event. Capture the flag, dancing, hide ‘n seek in the auditorium, mini talent show, and volleyball and floor hockey tournament, were among some of the activities students could participate in.
“One of the things that always sticks with me is the impact that THON has on the students,” noted Kramer. “Students have sent me messages after the event and tell me they want to go into a career field that helps pediatric cancer patients and their families or something that has a positive impact on the patients and families.”
Kramer also added that students have told her they decided to go to Penn State or a branch campus because they had so much fun during Mini-THON and hope to participate in the larger-scale THON event. Students in the club last year had the opportunity to attend Penn State’s THON.
Junior Aubrey Rineer said, “Mini-THON is an impactful club because it unites students to help support a cause greater than themselves. Every penny counts in the fight against pediatric cancer, and Mini-THON provides hope for those affected!”
Congratulations students on your successful fundraising efforts for Mini-THON.