by June Portnoy
Lower Moreland High School’s (LMHS) Mini-THON has once again proven its strength and dedication to the fight against pediatric cancer, raising over $247,000 this year, a $30,000 increase from last year. This record-breaking total, which marked the highest amount raised since the event’s inception 18 years ago, is a testament to the incredible effort of students, faculty, local businesses, and the entire community, all united in support of a cause that has touched many lives.
Mini-THON, an annual 12-hour fundraising event, was held this year on Friday, November 22 from 10 am till 10 pm at LMHS.
Loosely modeled after Penn State’s famous THON, the world’s largest student-run philanthropy, LMHS Mini-THON aims to raise money for pediatric cancer research at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. The event is a no-sitting, on-your-feet marathon filled with games, competitions, family stories, and activities that engage the entire student body. The motto for the event is simple but powerful: “FTK” or “For The Kids.”
“The event is centered around the kids fighting cancer, and it’s an opportunity for us to come together as a community to support them,” said Cody Pearson, a co-advisor for the event.
Since its debut in 2008, Lower Moreland’s Mini-THON has grown significantly, both in the amount of funds raised and the involvement of students and the broader community. Over the years, the event has become a cornerstone of LMHS’s culture, bringing students, faculty, alumni, and families together for a shared mission. Pearson shared that it is the school’s biggest and most highly-anticipated event of the year.
This year, LMHS surpassed its previous fundraising record of $217,000. This milestone is part of the school’s ongoing effort to fund pediatric cancer research through the Four Diamonds, which supports families of children with cancer, providing financial assistance and funding for research into new treatments.
Pearson, who has served as a co-advisor of the event for the past decade, is proud of the continued success. “It’s grown tremendously over the years. The first year we raised $20,000, and about seven years ago, we hit a total of $1 million. It took about 11 years to hit that milestone, but over the past six or seven years, we raised another $1 million,” she said, emphasizing the significance of reaching this two-million-dollar mark. “We’re a small school, and when you compare us to some of the larger schools in the area, it’s incredible that we’ve managed to reach this milestone. She attributed this success to “the support of our community, our local businesses, and, of course, our students.”
LMHS is only one of three schools in Pennsylvania to reach the $2 million total, an impressive achievement considering the school’s size compared to others. With around 70% of the student body participating in Mini-THON each year, the event has truly become a beloved tradition.
Mini-THON is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a day filled with fun, excitement, and emotional moments that highlight the significance of the cause. The event kicks off with a series of activities, including games, obstacle courses, and the ever-popular line dances, which are performed every hour on the hour.
“These line dances are a great way to keep everyone engaged and make sure we’re all moving together,” noted Jasmine Zoubroulis, one of the senior overall Mini-THON heads. “It’s fun, and it really helps us bond as a school.”
The competition aspect of the event also plays a major role, with grade-vs-grade challenges such as lip-sync battles, dance-offs, and a variety of games. These competitions culminate in an emotional and lively atmosphere, where students and families cheer on their peers and celebrate the community spirit that defines the event.
“Each grade forms teams to compete in the dance and lip-sync battles, and it’s a lot of fun to see everyone come together for that,” says Aubrie Zucaro, another senior leader. “At the end of the night, it’s always so rewarding to see how much money we’ve raised and to know that it’s all for such an important cause.”
One of the most emotional moments of the event is family hour, a time set aside for families of children with cancer to share their stories. During this hour, participants listen to the personal accounts of those affected by pediatric cancer, reminding everyone of the real-world impact of their efforts.
“There’s a moment of silence after the families speak, and it’s incredibly powerful,” said Zoubroulis. “It’s a time to really reflect on why we’re doing this, why we’re standing for 12 hours.”
Family hour is followed with a luminary walk, where white bags inscribed with messages of hope and encouragement are lined up along a pathway, illuminating the space with a soft, glowing light. This walk is another moment of reflection, bringing the community together as they think about the children and families they’re supporting.
In addition to the hard work of students and volunteers, a significant factor in the event’s success is the role of social media. The event is heavily promoted through platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, allowing students to spread awareness and excitement about Mini-THON to their peers, families, and the broader community.
“We use social media to share our journey leading up to the event,” said Keira Nguyen, a senior social media captain. “We post commercials, countdowns, and behind-the-scenes footage to get everyone excited and involved. It’s a great way to connect with people and raise awareness.”
Her co-captain, Chelsea Cohen, added, “Social media has really helped our event grow. We can reach so many more people now, and when students see their friends having fun at Mini-THON, they want to get involved too.”
While the success of Mini-THON is measured by the funds raised, the event also leaves a lasting impact on students. Seth Baron, one of the event’s co-advisors and a longtime advocate for the cause, emphasized how the event helps students develop a sense of community and responsibility that extends beyond the walls of Lower Moreland High School.
“We’re teaching students that charity isn’t just about writing a check. It’s about building relationships, supporting each other, and thinking about others,” said Baron. “This event is a great example of how we can come together as a community to make a difference.”
For many students, the impact of Mini-THON extends well beyond their time at LMHS. “I’ve seen so many former students go on to college and start their own Mini-THONs,” Baron said. “It’s amazing to see how this event inspires them to continue giving back.”
With this year’s record-breaking success, it’s clear that Lower Moreland High School’s Mini-THON will continue to grow and inspire future generations of students. As Pearson said, “It’s all for the kids, and that’s what keeps us going every year.” As the community celebrates this year’s success, they know that the fight against pediatric cancer is far from over, but with every dollar raised, they are one step closer to finding a cure.