The highly anticipated 7th annual Mini-Thon at Neshaminy High School begins its 100-day countdown! Mini-Thon takes place on January 14, 2022, and has a series of fundraisers for Pediatric Cancer. 

Mini-Thon was inspired by Penn State’s THON which was established in 1973. Bill Laer, former Interfraternity Council President at Penn State, had not originally planned for this fundraiser to go to kids with pediatric cancer. His first thought was to have a couples dance-off, and whoever could dance the longest and raise the most funds would win. 

At the first fundraising event, there were only 78 participants within the 30 hours it lasted, but they raised $2,000. This marked the start of a yearly event!

Four Diamonds became the beneficiary in 1977 and has consistently been the beneficiary. Since then, THON has raised $190 million dollars

Last year, the Neshaminy Mini-Thon was held on Zoom due to Covid-19 restrictions. Sophomore at Neshaminy, Brynn Galloway, expressed how strange it was last year being on Zoom for a very highlighted event. 

“It was really odd being on Zoom for such a highly talked about event, and how this year it’s like I’m doing something for the first time over again,” Galloway said.

Despite the event not being in person, to Briana Benware, a member of the Mini-Thon Committee, the Neshaminy community still brought it on!

“Even though we were virtual I would say our Mini-thon was still a huge success! Over zoom, we had a lot of online games and everyone showed their support and had a great time! At the end of the day, we still met our goal to help kids with pediatric cancer,” Benware remarked. 

This year, students will have to raise $20 to get in the door and $50 to get their grade level’s shirt by January 3. 

The Mini-Thon committee has been working hard to prepare for this event and is excited to share it with the student body of Neshaminy

“The executive committee and I are excited for this year’s in-person Mini Thon! F.T.K!” Benware said.