What are Mini-THON's?

Mini-THONs are an extension of Penn State’s THON in elementary, middle and high schools throughout Pennsylvania, with a few even in surrounding states. Each school has the freedom to design a program that fits with their students. Some schools plan an event in as little as six weeks; others spend an entire year working towards the event. Mini-THONs range from 2-hour after-school socials to 12-hour, all-night dance marathons with special events similar to Penn State’s THON. Students raise money through corporate sponsorship, bake sales, car washes and many other events of their own choosing and planning.

A faculty advisor from the school and a student team run each mini-THON. Mini-THONs serve as a mechanism for teaching kids leadership and the importance of service. They build tomorrow’s leaders while raising awareness around this important cause.
The mini-THON program is growing exponentially. In 2009, the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils made Mini-THONs their chosen charity of the year, increasing participation and spreading THON’s message to the 600 schools affiliated with the association in the state.

How do they help THON and 4D?

Mini-THONs are a Four Diamonds Fund program, spearheaded by Four Diamond's Linda Barry. Like THON, all money raised goes directly to the Fund. Mini-THONs do not contribute to THON’s total. However, THON and mini-THONs have a close relationship.

How can you get involved with Mini-THON's?

Besides donating money, there are several ways for you to get involved. Attend mini-THONs in your area and get to know the faculty and students involved. Most mini-THONs love to hear inspiration from “Big THON” leaders and alumni. Are you a teacher? Contact Linda Barry and start a mini-THON at your school! If you know a teacher, share the idea with them. Click here to view Mini-THON photos

School Participations

Mini-THONs, which replicate THON on a smaller scale, donate the money raised directly to The Four Diamonds Fund. In 2008, Mini-THONs accounted for 10% of total donations to The Four Diamonds Fund. More than 50 schools participate in the Mini-THON program, which entails creating committees, organizing students, planning entertainment for the event, fundraising and more. To date, these high schools, middle schools and elementary schools have raised nearly $4 Million For The Kids and their totals continue to increase!

From 2008-2009 the Four Diamonds Mini-THONs raised more than $792,917.40!

*The number in parentheses indicates the number of years the school has held a Four Diamonds Mini- THON.

• Annville-Cleona Middle School & High School (11) $31,600.00
• Big Spring High School (5) $44,477.09
• Biglerville High School (1) $5,025.00
• Central Dauphin High School (15) $68,612.50
• Cheltenham High School (2) $21,036.70
• Conewago Valley Intermediate School (3) $17,260.92
• Cumberland Valley High School (3) $55,500.00
• Dallas High School (5) $12,300.00
• Dover Area High School (7) $37,098.72
• Eastern York High School (1) $15,080.00
• Elizabethtown High School (3) $1,179.20
• Ephrata/Garden Spot/Cocalico High Schools (8) $18,209.51
• Governor Mifflin High School (1) $25,000.00
• Hanover High School (4) $4,000.00
• Hempfield High School (1) $38,158.65
• Hershey High School (16) $13,600.00
• Indiana Area Senior High School (1) $1,167.80
• Lake Lehman High School (2) $2,404.25
• Lampeter-Strasburg High School (5) $25,814.00
• Lower Dauphin High School (3) $22,259.00
• Lower Moreland High School (2) $25,481.65
• Manheim Central High School (4) $15,764.00
• Mechanicsburg High School (4) $25,500.74
• Northern High School (6) $17,700.00
• Palmyra High School (3) $22,304.17
• Park Forest Middle School (1) $13,102.04
• Pennridge High School (4) $6,316.70
• Red Lion High School (3) $28,329.65
• Simon Butler Elementary School - 6th Grade (3) $9,312.00
• South Side Elementary School (4) $2,453.00
• Southern Middle School (1) $10,845.25
• Springfield High School (7) $110,336.85
• Spring Grove Middle School (7) $33,000.00
• Stewart Middle School (2) $2,400.00
• Upper Dauphin High School (5) $10,288.00