With Mini-THON quickly approaching on March 19, leadership students have a variety of activities planned for the six-hour fundraising event. The event planning committee has worked to create an action-packed night designed to keep participants engaged throughout the evening.

Overall Mini-THON chair Anna Kauffman said several minor changes have been made this year, including the theme and color scheme. This year’s theme is “Love Guides the Story,” with blue, pink, purple and yellow as the featured colors. Kauffman added that one major change is an increased focus on dancing. Madelyn Bauer, a member of the event planning committee, said one of the new dance activities this year will be a dance-off, including the Cotton-Eyed Joe.

“I’m excited for it all to come together,” Bauer said. “We’ve all worked so hard.”

Kauffman also emphasized the more serious aspects of the event. “A lot of people just think Mini-THON is just a fun event with your friends, but when you do something like a luminary walk or hear someone speak about their experience with cancer, then it really puts it in perspective, like why you’re there,” Kauffman said.

Bauer said the luminary walk and guest speaker help participants better understand cancer’s impact.

“The luminary walk and speaker give us an insight into something we may not have experienced first hand. We get to see everyone who has been touched by cancer,” stated Bauer.

Julia Antonacci, a member of the concessions committee, highlighted the donated food that will be available during the event. “Romeo’s Pizza pizza, Frostys, Dilly Bars, Texas Roadhouse rolls, Luigi’s, Tres Amigos and Pan Asia sushi will all be available for free at this year’s Mini-THON,” Antonacci said. She added that she is thankful for the community’s support.

The event, scheduled for Thursday, March 19, will conclude with the reveal of the total amount raised by the 2026 leadership seminars. All proceeds support children and families affected by cancer through Four Diamonds.