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April 12, 2018
Mini-THON raises $41,098 to
help conquer childhood cancer
Upper St. Clair High School students recently raised $41,098 through its second annual Mini-THON – exceeding their goal of $30,000. The event benefits Four Diamonds, an organization that assists children who are battling cancer and their families at Penn State Health Children's Hospital in Hershey.
“At the start of this journey, when we first chose our goal of $30,000, I was blown away by the thought of raising that much money for children who's chance at living a long and healthy life has been put at risk,” Rayna Recht, one of four seniors leading the effort, said. “On the night of mini-THON, when I calculated our final total, I immediately burst into tears. It hit me that we were going to be donating more than $11,000 over our goal for these innocent lives.”
The event is a student-led initiative under the leadership of an all-student executive board that includes seniors Jack de la Parra, Andrea Mays, Rayna Recht and Brady Warmbein. In total, more than 50 Upper St. Clair High School students were involved in planning the event. Brooke Tarcson, activities coordinator, serves as advisor and faculty liaison.
The six-month-long effort culminated in a 12-hour Mini-THON beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 6, 2018. The first few hours were devoted to Community Time, which offered food, games and activities for all ages. From 9 p.m. until 6 a.m., more than 350 high school students were on their feet dancing and playing games.
“We danced for those who cannot, we cheered for those who are losing their voices, but most of all, we raised that money so that one day, these children can all stand strong with us in celebration of a cure,” Rayna added.
Last year, in its inaugural year, the Upper St. Clair High School Mini-THON raised $17,531 with 250 students dancing throughout the night.
“Our students amaze me everyday,” Dr. Louis Angelo, principal said. “The leadership, initiative and genuine compassion they have demonstrated throughout the last two years has been astounding.”
According to the Four Diamonds website, “Mini-THONs are interactive events for students of all ages that inspire teamwork, leadership and creativity, while empowering youth and young adults through philanthropy and community service in the fight to conquer childhood cancer. Mini-THONs are modeled after the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) and have been making a difference in the lives of childhood cancer patients and their families since 1993.”
With more than 90,000 student volunteers and 265 schools in eight states, Mini-THONs are making a difference for children and their families who are battling childhood cancer. During the 2016-17 school year, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and colleges raised more than $6.46 million for Four Diamonds.
The third annual USC Mini-THON is set for April 5, 2019. For more information about the USC Mini-THON, including how you can support this effort, please contact Brooke Tarcson, activities coordinator, at 412-833-1600 ext. 2264 or btarcson@uscsd.k12.pa.us.
Like and follow USC Mini-THON online:- Website: uscminithon.com
- Twitter: @USCmini_thon
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