In 1973, Pennsylvania State University began THON, a dance marathon that raises money for childhood cancer research and support. Since then, it has grown into the largest student-run fundraiser of its kind in the world. In 2026, THON raised $18,841,726.53 for Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital.
As THON has grown, Mini-THON was founded for students in grades K-12 to raise money for cancer care and research. This school year, Mini-THON was re-founded at Mt. Lebanon High School with a goal of raising $10,000 in its first year.
Throughout the school year, Mini-THON has held various fundraisers, such as spikeball tournaments, bake sales and concession stands at sporting events, to help achieve this goal. The club’s main event was held Friday, April 17, from 5 to 9 p.m.
Junior Ellie Shaffer’s motivation to help co-found the club was the children she personally knows who are battling childhood cancer. Knowing how this has impacted those around her, she wanted to make a difference.
“I’ve seen how other schools in Pittsburgh have utilized Mini-THON to make a difference,” Shaffer said. “We thought it was the perfect organization to bring to Lebo since we’ve seen the successful impact it’s already had.”
The club’s first fundraiser was a competitive spikeball tournament that raised about $300. Teams competed in bracket play while playing for a cause bigger than themselves.
At the main event on April 17, there were various tournaments, including spikeball, basketball and cornhole, along with other activities such as face painting, dirty soda bars, PlayStations, arts and crafts and more. Raffle baskets donated by local businesses were also awarded.
For the main event, junior co-founder Caroline Rost was hoping to see between 60 and 100 students attend during the club’s first year. She believes this year is more about getting started than having a breakthrough year.
“We hope to see 60-plus students and unite our school over such a great cause,” Rost said. “No matter the turnout, I hope everyone there had fun and wants to come again next year. Our fundraising goal this year is $10,000, so we are pushing to get as close to that number as possible, or even above.”
As co-founders, Rost and Shaffer both describe the average week of Mini-THON as “pretty busy,” but very rewarding. The two meet with six other co-founders about twice a week, along with frequent meetings with other club members.
“As we get closer to our final event, the past couple of weeks have been pretty busy,” Shaffer said. “We have around two meetings per week that might include planning activities, reaching out to businesses and meeting with our adviser from Penn State, Katelyn, who brings a lot of great ideas and advice.”
Although Mini-THON requires a significant time commitment, its impact motivates students to get involved. Rost highlights the strong sense of unity among participants, describing it as meaningful and a key reason for her continued involvement.
Rost said she saw her “why” most clearly at the club’s first event, the spikeball tournament.
“During our spikeball tournament earlier this year, I saw students competing with friends, but also coming together as a community to support families affected by pediatric cancer,” Rost said. “It has been exciting to find others just as passionate about the cause as we are, and we have been able to expand our fundraising efforts and financial goals because of these dedicated people. I hope that in the future we can do a Mini-THON visit to a local hospital to see the impact we can make on our city.”
As seen in neighboring school districts, Mini-THON has grown into a powerful organization that has made a difference in the lives of children and families. In the South Fayette School District, Mini-THON raised about $1,000 in its first year. By 2025, that total had grown to $350,492.58 for childhood cancer.
While expectations are more modest in the first year, co-founders and members hope the community becomes more aware of an issue greater than themselves.
For underclassmen looking to get involved in a meaningful club with leadership opportunities, Shaffer recommends joining Mini-THON.
“I think Mini-THON is a great way to get connected with a club that involves the whole school,” Shaffer said. “It also allows for many ways to participate: planning activities, finance, advertising or simply attending events. I believe there’s something for everyone in Mini-THON, and we would always love more help.”
To donate, visit the Four Diamonds website and search for the school’s event or a specific student’s fundraising page. Donations can be made online and go directly toward supporting children battling cancer.
(Editor’s note: This event was being held at press time. We will report on the actual event and monies raised in our next issue.)
