This year, Hempfield Area students raised $67,589.64. Every penny raised goes towards pediatric cancer research for children who are battling the unimaginable disease that we know as cancer.
This is the third year that Hempfield is participating in MiniTHON, which is a branch from Penn State’s THON event! This year, Penn State raised $17,737,040.93 all for the kids. During Penn State’s main event, they danced for 46 hours straight with no sitting. Here at Hempfield, students stood for 12 hours straight and sitting was no exception. Hempfield Area MiniTHON’s overall, Addi Busch, along with her administration team, Abby McCullough, Kennedy Nelson, Kasey Williams, Andrew Burgess, Carly Coletta, and Nate Biondi and staff sponsor, Mrs. Testa, worked very hard to make this event possible.
During the event, they taught a three minute long line dance to participating students that they performed at the top of every hour. Students also got to engage in a full on jazzercise session courtesy of Michelle Gordon. Additionally, they brought in three guest speakers who are currently or were recently affected by pediatric cancer. These individuals shared their experiences with the THON participants allowing them to see how their efforts affect individuals in our community who are fighting this disease.
As the event came to close, the administrative team reflected on their experience: “When you work with the same seven people everyday for a year for something you are all so equally passionate about, you become family. And anything is possible. This year had its ups and downs, but last night made us realize that you can overcome any obstacle when you’re given the right people. I truly believe that our team couldn’t have been any better this year. Abby, Kasey, Kennedy, Carly, Nate, and Andrew are so honored to have worked by Addi’s side. A million thank you’s to all of our supporters, sponsors, donors, staff, and every student who participated this year. This year’s total wouldn’t have been possible without you guys! Together, we MADE the difference.”
Students learned this event wasn’t just about getting out of classes for the day or seeing who could raise the most money, but it showed students what their hard work and dedication can do for the community. It saves lives!
See photo below for how our dollars are utilized:
