Marple Newtown High School Holds Annual Mini-THON

By Holly Stupak

Whether you want to hit the dance floor for hours, play one of the many games or enjoy good food with friends, Mini-THON is a night for everyone to come together for one purpose: to raise money and save lives. From 3-10 pm on March 3, more than 300 Marple Newtown High School (MNHS) students plan to attend this seven-hour dance marathon. The end of the night will culminate with the big reveal: the total amount raised for childhood cancer.

Adapted from Penn State’s renowned THON event, the world’s largest student-run philanthropy, MNHS’s Mini-THON is an action-packed night of activities at the high school. This year’s Candyland-themed Mini-THON is sure to be a sweet event with plenty of snacks and treats, as well as a number of activities to keep students entertained throughout the night. A magician, sports tournaments and a DJ are just some of the fun ideas the committee has planned.

Organizing such a large-scale fundraiser would not be possible without the many MNHS student volunteers and academic advisors who start the planning the second week of school. This year’s student-led club consists of four executive board members and dozens of committee members who handle everything from fundraising to decorations.

Since the early planning stages this school year, students have been reaching out to sponsors, planning activities, budgeting the event, meal planning, creating fundraising competitions and creating a social buzz and awareness toward pediatric cancer.

Mini-THON Executive Board member and senior Amanda Collins first got involved in Mini-THON as a freshman. “It was a great way to get involved as a younger student and I really enjoyed being part of the planning,” said Amanda. “I knew I wanted to take on a bigger role as I learned each year how the event comes together.” Amanda and her fellow student executive board members (Ellie DiBona, Madi Coll and Kyra Pylaras) oversee several committees including events, donor and alumni relations, decorations and fundraising, spirit and recruitment.

Academic advisor Riley McSorley said that the event is a great way to promote teamwork, creativity and spirit within the high school. “Mini-THON is the perfect opportunity for students to become involved in the world beyond their immediate area,” she said. “We are showing students how to give back to the community around them and the importance of working together for the common good.”

Ms. McSorley along with fellow teachers Courtney Gibbons, Taylor Amabile and Shannon Blessington oversee the planning, but the students are ultimately responsible for the event. “MiniTHON is not just changing the lives of the families we help, but the lives of our students as well.” Ms. McSorley said. Students who registered to participate in this year’s Mini-THON were able to create their own fundraising link through Donor Drive that could be shared with family and friends. The top five fundraisers are recognized on stage with a certificate the night of the event and students who raise $150 dollars get VIP status. Not only does VIP status earn them bragging rights amongst their peers, they also get a swag bag and access to this year’s extensive candy bar spread.

Aside from the students, committee members and faculty volunteers, Mini-THON would not be possible without plenty of local sponsors who contribute to the cause. From local restaurants that donate food to donations from local businesses, teachers and local residents, the generosity of the community makes the event possible. There were several blue-level sponsors (a $500 donation), which included: Subbio Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, Auld & Associates Investigations, Inc., Jet Green Tree Services, Thompson Custom Painting, JMS Disposal and Rental Services, Fizzano Brothers Concrete Products, Inc, Rothman Orthopaedics, Rey Azteca and Shore T-shirt designs.

The money raised by the MNHS Mini-THON will support Four Diamonds’ research to better prevent, diagnose, treat and cure childhood cancer. For the past 30 years, Four Diamonds Mini-THONs have helped support the mission of conquering childhood cancer by assisting children and their families through superior care, comprehensive support and innovative research. Since MNHS hosted its first Mini-THON in 2018, they’ve raised $181,033. This year’s goal is $60,000. “The event is so much fun, but it’s really all about raising money for the kids,” said Amanda. “The highlight at the end of the night is always the big reveal!” N S

Spoil your favorites with our own recipe handmade Irish Potatoes, Frogs, Decorated Sugar Cookies, Raisin Scone and Irish Soda Bread

by Mark E. Reitz, PT Penn Therapy Associates