It’s an annual tradition at Lancaster Catholic, like most school’s in the state of Pennsylvania, to dance the night away one spring evening. And the 2017 version of Mini-THON will go down as one of the most memorable nights in school history after the Catholic High community donated a record-breaking $49,079.74.
But to think that it all just comes together in just one evening would be the farthest thing from the truth.
“This is an almost year-long activity that is run by the students,” Mini-THON assistant Kent Reigner explained. “It takes everyone in the community to make this event a success, from the motivated students, to Beth Newill (Mini-THON Advisor), the faculty, staff and parents.”
For a smaller school like LCHS to make such a large donation speaks to the generosity and will-power of Lancaster Catholic.
This year, the event began after Mass at 6 p.m. on March 25th, and there were approximately 350 members of the community who took part in the community hours portion of Mini-THON. Then, when they were dismissed at 11 p.m., almost 250 student dancers remained until 6 a.m.
The Crusaders competed in dance competitions, scavenger hunts, talent shows and also took part in the Midnight Mile where they walked outside with luminaries purchased in honor of individuals who have fought the fight against cancer. They also danced and listened to live music while remaining standing all night long.
The co-chairs of this year’s event were seniors Sarah Heise and Sydney Ernst. They kept things in motion for almost an entire year by pushing the students to complete all of their activities and helping stay on top of them leading up to the marathon night.
Miss Newill was also the guiding force for the students, helping them get in place to end with a record-breaking total. Last year, the students raised $33,164 and the goal this year was to top that. Under the direction of Newill, Heise and Ernst, the Crusaders raised almost 150% of last year’s total.
Plans for next year’s event will jump start before school is dismissed for the summer. The students will elect chairs of the event and sub-committee chairs and then begin scheduling events to help raise money for the kids (#FTK).
Whether you are purchasing baked goods at a football game or helping the student dancers raise their individual pledge goal of $80, you are helping to benefit the cause.
As for this year, the $49,079 will as always be donated to the Four Diamonds Fund to help Conquer Childhood Cancer in the state of Pennsylvania.