In a year with very little social interaction, it is no surprise that many have lost the hope and motivation they once possessed. Yet, even in a sea of darkness, students who are a part of Mini-THON aim to be a beacon of hope, continuing to spread positivity, awareness and generosity even in the most trying of times. 

Previously led by the Student Council, Mini-THON has recently become its own club, run by science teachers Mr. Anthony Adamucci and Mrs. Jennifer McElrath, Spanish teacher Ms. Lindsay Jenkins and student leaders junior Kristina Exton, sophomore Taylor Hagenkotter, sophomore Nadia Kushner, sophomore Maddy Dunn-Ziegler and junior Ava Nociforo. 

“We help raise money for the Four Diamonds fund to assist kids who are battling childhood cancer,” said Taylor.

Four Diamonds Mini-THON, deriving from the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON), is a year-long fundraising event where students throughout 294 different schools help to make a difference in the lives of families fighting pediatric cancer. With a multi-hour and fun-filled dance marathon to conclude the event, the money raised through Four Diamonds covers expenses like medical bills, therapy and medication that are otherwise costly. 

“We raise money through Donor Drive,” said Kristina. “Teachers and students can make accounts to raise money on Donor Drive. Anybody else can also donate to Donor Drive to either a specific participant or the overall event.”

Mini-THON has an overall Donor Drive page, Hatboro-Horsham Mini-THON 2021, where anyone can donate. 

However, each club member has their own individual Donor Drive where family and friends can access their link and donate to the event. So far, Mini-THON has a total of 44 individual Donor Drive accounts. The money raised through individual Donor Drives is accumulated into the general club Donor Drive. 

Currently, Mini-THON holds general club meetings every other week through Teams. The leaders, on the other hand, typically meet once a week to plan and discuss the agenda for the general meeting.

 “We normally have leaders–only meeting to come up with the agenda and then during the meeting, we talk about events that are coming up or how much money we raised during a fundraiser. After we discuss the agenda and answer any questions, we break out into small groups – marketing a business, fundraising, and social media- to plan upcoming events,” said Nadia. 

However, being a relatively new, standalone club, Mini-THON has encountered its fair share of adversities throughout the year. 

“Since this year is unique due to COVID, and it’s the first year we’re really doing this as a club rather than a Student Council-run event, we are basically starting from scratch,” said Kristina.

“Half of our leaders were seniors last year, so we are jumping into the deep end this year without much guidance,” said Maddy. 

Still, Mini-THON has been making a name for itself around the school and community, even through a virtual setting. With the club now open to anyone, more people can join Mini-THON without being in Student Council. In the span of six months, the club has raised a total of $3,097.27 through various fundraising events like Sweatin’ FTK, a cookie decorating contest, Donor Drive Pushed Week and a virtual trivia night. By the end of March, the club hopes to reach the $5,000 mark, bringing them halfway to their ultimate goal of $10,000 before THON on April 24. 

As of now, it is unsure as to whether THON will be held in person or virtually. The club still has to get approval from the school as to whether or not THON can be held in person in compliance with CDC guidelines.

 “It will happen either way,” said Kristina. 

Regardless, COVID cannot slow down Mini-THON from reaching their fundraising goal.

 “In the near future, teachers will be doing incentives such as getting pied in the face, getting silly stringed and making Tik Toks. We are also planning to hold a small business event where students running businesses from HH can participate in a movie night and a second trivia night!” said Kristina.  

It is not too late for interested students to join Mini-THON. New members can join by following the club’s Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok and Twitter @hhminithon, emailing one of the leaders or advisors or by texting @hhminith to 81010. 

“Even though there is a pandemic and we are facing a lot of adversity this year, we are continuing to do all that we can for the kids,” said the Mini-THON leaders.