THON is an organization dedicated to conquering childhood cancer by helping cancer patients and their families. It covers 100% of medical expenses related to cancer care that are not already covered by insurance. THON began in 1972 and has since helped over 4,800 children and families.
The THON organization runs off of donations and support they receive from the community. Manheim Township has a club that dedicates itself to raising money for THON. The club contributes to THON’s cause by hosting fundraisers, spreading awareness and hosting its annual Mini-THON event. Last year, the club managed to raise a total of $103,019.
Mr. Robbins and Mrs. Boal, who are the club’s two advisors, say that the club was founded “to help families, so they wouldn’t have to worry about debts while struggling with cancer.” All funds raised go towards covering the cost of treatment not covered by insurance, providing mental health services, and supporting cancer research.
The majority of the club’s donations come from their main Mini-THON event—which is being hosted at the high school on Jan. 18 from 6 to 10 p.m. It is an activity-packed event filled with food, games and numerous other activities.
“At the event, there are many class games, bounce houses and group activities like Zumba. We also sometimes have puppies, the infamous Techno Power Hour and lots of food,” said Paige Hughes, a Mini-THON head.
To participate in the event, you must set up a donor drive account and raise the minimum amount of $40. All of these donations will go toward the THON organization.
“It’s really easy to contribute to a good cause and it’s a great feeling knowing you were a part of something so big,” said junior Judi Khairy, a Mini-THON member.
The club has four committees that work together to make Mini-THON successful: Design, Donor & Alumni Relations (DAR), Food and Beverage, and Morale. Junior Emme Truong, one of the heads of the Food and Beverage, explained that her committee works to build strong relationships with restaurants to provide drinks, snacks and baked goods at Mini-THON events. Additionally, they work strategically with the Morale Committee to raise money through fundraisers and bake sales. The Design Committee is responsible for the planning process of the main event. They work all year to make themed flyers, decorations, and props. Meanwhile, DAR reaches out to local businesses to promote Mini-THON and secure sponsorships and item donations.
Despite the main event being the most popular and most known fundraiser, there are several other events coming up soon. There will be many smaller restaurant fundraisers like Qdoba and Lancaster Cupcake coming up. However, some of the most popular fundraisers are Trunk or Treat and the Mini-THON Showcase. Trunk or Treat will take place on Oct. 25 from 6-8 p.m. Trunk or Treat is a Halloween-themed community event where all proceedings go to Four Diamonds. Any club or sports team can bring a decorated vehicle and candy to the high school parking lot for kids to go trick or treating. Last year, a total of $1,198 was raised for THON at Trunk or Treat.
Another popular event is the Mini-THON Showcase. The Mini-THON Showcase is an annual event that usually takes place in January. The showcase is a competition between Manheim Township sports teams, competing for who can do the best group dance. At the end of the showcase, the Mr. Mini-THON boys will perform their dances, and the boy who raised the most money will be crowned.
“The showcase is so fun because it is so exciting to see all the sports teams come together and compete against each other in dances. It is so fun to watch because everyone is so dedicated to their showcase dance and the Mr. Mini-THON boys are so committed to beating each other,” said Mackenzie Parise, an overall Mini-THON Head.
The showcase is an important fundraiser because it raises a lot of money for THON.
“We are able to make a big portion of our total here because all of the sports teams get really invested,” said Kate Palumbo, a Mini-THON Head.
Lastly, although it is too late to sign up for the Mini-THON club, there are many more ways to get involved. Showing up to the fundraisers, participating in the main event or just setting up a donor drive are all ways to chip in. Your participation could go a long way in contributing to THON’s fight to end pediatric cancer.
