By TEAGAN MERRIMAN – Towards the end of every school year, the IHS community comes together to raise money for Mini-THON, an event that raises money for children battling pediatric cancer.
This year, despite the amount of uncertainty surrounding THON, members of the Senior Leadership Seminar are working tirelessly to collect money to donate to the Four Diamonds Foundation. Proceeds from the fund, largely from Penn State University’s THON, are meant to cover 100% of pediatric cancer patients’ treatment in order to relieve families of financial burden.
Senior and member of the Fundraising Committee Caroline Bianco commented on the efforts of this year’s Leadership group, “The fundraising initiatives for Mini-THON this year are selling clothes on the Instagram account @ihsminithonthrifts, collecting change in the upper commons to play music in between classes, and team change wars. We will also be selling friendship bracelets, scrunchies, and online cookbooks.”
Because of the altered year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “The fundraising committee has had to think of new creative ways to raise money for the kids this year. One of these new potential ideas is holding a virtual talent show,” continued Bianco.
Lucas Connell, a senior and Mini-THON Co-Chair, also remarked on the struggles Leadership has faced in the wake of Coronavirus, “This year MiniTHON’s fundraising and finance committees have had a big challenge in navigating the COVID-19 atmosphere. We have had to find a balance between being sensitive to businesses’ and individuals’ financial struggles while also trying to raise money to have an impact in the fight against pediatric cancer.”
Mini-THON will likely look much different than it has in previous years due to the circumstances of the school year and students are highly encouraged to donate and get involved in any way that they can.
“THON has been a Leadership tradition for many years and is something that our organization takes very seriously. A lot of our time spent during Leadership Seminar is focused on organizing and preparing for the largest event of the year. Not only is the night of THON an absolute blast, but we are also able to support such an important fund, the Four Diamonds Fund. All of our hard work pays off in the end and is completely worth it, as we always say, ‘For The Kids,’” stated senior Allie Rutledge.
Leadership is beyond excited to carry on the legacy of hosting an amazing THON that is fun and interactive for all IHS students, all while raising money for kids who need it most.
[Photo by Teagan Merriman]
Photo caption: “Senior Lilly Nath displays which change buckets students are able to put money in.”
Teagan is a senior and first-year reporter for the High Arrow. She enjoys playing volleyball at IHS and is also a member of the diving and lacrosse teams. She is excited to be writing for the High Arrow this year.