What is "Mini-THON"?
Mini-THON, which is short for a mini dance maraTHON, is a year-long effort which raises funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer. Our efforts culminate with a seven-hour, no-sitting dance marathon during the first week in March. Participants organize fundraisers throughout the year, promote the event, and individually raise money for the Four Diamonds Fund to participate in the dance maraTHON.
What is the Four Diamonds Fund?
The Four Diamonds Fund is the beneficiary of the Mini-THON’s fundraising efforts. The Four Diamonds Fund was established by Charles and Irma Millard after the death of their son, Christopher, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 11. Because of the collective effort of Penn State's THON and assorted Mini-THONs, The Fund is able to offset the cost of treatment that a family’s insurance won’t cover, as well as provide for other expenses that may affect the welfare of the child. The Fund also supports the medical team that cares for the children and funds pediatric cancer research through start-up grants and the Four Diamonds Pediatric Cancer Research Institute.
When is Mini-THON held?
The 7-hour Mini-THON is the first Friday of March each school year.
Why should I participate in the Mini-THON?
First and foremost, Mini-THON is a fundraiser for children with cancer, so do it to help them out! Also, the Mini-THON is probably one of the largest dances a student has ever been to - with more going on than you can imagine! Every SMS student is invited, so you can hang out with your friends and get some free food, music, and fun once you have registered and contributed to the fundraising total.
How do I participate in the Mini-THON?
1) Fill out the registration form HERE. Hand this in with a $10 registration fee to Mrs.McCusker in room 105.
Hey, 8th grade! You can still use your old account to fundraise online!
1) Simply go to fourdiamonds.donordrive.com/event/sms and type your information into the box on the left that says 'Account Login.' When you log in, the old website (with a different picture) will load, with a banner that reads, "This event is now closed."
2) In the upper-right corner of the page, click the orange box that says 'Register for an Event.'
3) When a list of events pops up, scroll down until you see 'Southern Middle School' listed.
4) Click the link, and then the green box that says 'Register.'
2) When you turn in your registration, you will receive your fundraising envelope (if you choose). Go out and collect donations! Or, collect donations online by creating your own webpage! There is a $25 minimum donation in order to participate.
3) Hand in your fundraising envelope to Mrs. McCusker in Room 105 by the due date.
4) Here's the easy part: attend the Mini-THON event completely free-of-charge! It will be a blast!
How can I raise the minimum $25 for The Four Diamonds Fund?
There are many ways! Ask your parents and relatives, neighbors, or even people from your church or other organizations. You might even ask a parent to bring your envelope into their work or lunch room to collect donations. Lots of people will recognize your efforts for pediatric cancer and be happy to help!
How can I help?
1) DONATE money! Monetary gifts can be given through ONLINE or sent to the school.
2) DONATE gifts-in-kind! As a fundraiser, we use lots of gifts-in-kind as door prizes, raffle items, etc., and could use a donation from your business! Please contact laura.mccusker@sycsd.org if you are able to donate a gift.
3) CHAPERONE the event! Contact laura.mccusker@sycsd.org to chaperone the event with times that your are available between 11:30-7:30.
Who at SMS is on the Mini-THON committee?
Mrs. McCusker, 7 Red English Teacher, Room 105
Mrs. Zuzik, Instructional Aide, Room 112
Mrs. Zinn, Science Teacher, Room 106
Mrs. Hershner, ESL Teacher
