By Julia Chojnacki
2017’s Mini-THON was a huge success this weekend on February 24 and 25, with over 450 student participants who raised money, stood, danced, and played throughout the night for ten hours for a great cause: the Four Diamonds Fund.
Mini-THON was introduced with four family speakers: the Dodsons, the Goldens, the Howes, and the Hochbergers. The families each presented their stories of battling childhood cancer and their experience with the Four Diamonds organization.
The families’ stories were eye-opening because students were able to hear first hand how the money that they are raising impacts children and their families battling cancer, even families close to home. The families’ stories also equipped the participants with the inspiration to get through all ten hours of the event, and reminded them to always keep in mind, it’s FTK.
Mini-THON dancers participated in many events throughout the night including Pinterest hour, dodgeball tournaments, basketball tournaments, soccer tournaments, dance-offs, a luminary walk, paint and juice, hourly line-dances, talent show, swimming, karaoke, Ogo ball races, and much more.
The activities are meant to be fun and engaging for the participants, giving them the motivation to successfully stay on their feet the entire night. Students were also kept fueled throughout the night with the help of parents and community members who volunteered food and drinks.
Junior and Captain of Registration of Mini-THON, Ted Gunn said, “Mini-THON was a great opportunity for the student body to get together and mutually support Four Diamonds.”
Many of the students found this year more fun than past years because more activities were added to the itinerary including access to the football field and track to race Ogo balls and walk on the track.
The students got lucky this year due to the weather, allowing them to go outside and get some fresh air. “Mini-THON was really fun and there were always activities to do” said junior and first time participant, Ryan Ludwig.
Mini-THON concluded with the big reveal of the cumulative amount raised by the student body through collective efforts in receiving donations, the color clash, stall day, and movie night. The total amount topped last year’s total coming in at $70, 812.17.
Four Diamonds appreciates York Suburban High School’s hard work in donating and participating in the cause and even commended us via tweet “@YSHSminiTHON We are amazed – thank you for all you do!” Congratulations YSHS!