Photo credit: NHS Instagram account
By Leslie Buckwalter ‘27
At Conestoga Valley High School, students are preparing for their annual Mini-THON, an overnight fundraiser supporting childhood cancer patients through Four Diamonds. This year, on April 24-25, organizers hope to raise $15,000, surpassing last year’s total of about $11,000.
Mini-THON at CV is inspired by Penn State THON, a 46-hour dance marathon that raises money for childhood cancer. According to the Four Diamonds website, Mini-THON events support cancer care and research while helping students develop leadership and teamwork skills.
“At CV, Mini-THON is an all-night event filled with games, activities, a rave hour and even our talent show, Mr. Mini-THON,” said NHS advisors Ms. Brittany Torres and Ms. Makenna Nicarry. “All proceeds go to fight childhood cancer.”
Beyond fundraising, officers say the cause is personal. In the spring of 2025, student leaders visited Penn State Children’s Hospital to see firsthand how donations make an impact. “Just seeing the real impact of what we do, all of the facilities, the rooms, and the resources they have for the kids and families was incredible,” said senior NHS president Sara Eckert.
Throughout the night, students can expect a packed schedule of activities across the Rill Gym, Uyeda Hall, cafeteria and auditorium. Events include games, a dance party, food stations and the crowd-favorite Mr. Mini-THON competition, where students perform talents or comedic acts to raise additional donations.
Behind the scenes, months of preparation go into making the event successful. “We’re creating an hour-by-hour schedule, contacting businesses for donations, planning fundraisers, designing T-shirts and decorating for the night,” Torres and Nicarry said.
In addition to these preparations, fundraising efforts take place throughout the year. Chocolate-covered strawberry sales, coffee house events, and sub fundraisers all contribute to the overall Mini-THON total. Students also raise money individually through DonorDrive, the online platform that sends donations directly to Four Diamonds.
To attend the overnight event, students must raise at least $25 and submit a permission slip if under 18. Organizers say participation is key to reaching their $15,000 goal.
Despite the long night ahead, officers say the energy makes it worthwhile. “It’s going to be chaos, but I love that,” Eckert said. “Everyone is running off adrenaline, and by the end of the night, everyone is proud of themselves for coming together to support the kids.”
With growing support and a higher fundraising goal, CV’s Mini-THON leaders hope this year’s event will be their most impactful yet.