THON: A widespread, multifaceted event at Penn State University.

Entirely student-run and taking place each year on Penn State’s campus, THON provides emotional and financial support for families fighting childhood cancer. Upper Perk has taken its swing at this popular event.

The Future Business Leaders of America Club (FBLA), hosts an annual Mini-Thon for the students. This year, the event occurs on February 22nd in the high school’s gym.

At Penn State, the goal for participants is to remain awake and standing for 46 hours straight. There are dancers, music, games, food, and more, all encouraging the participants. All money raised goes to the Four Diamonds Fund, which completely covers families’ medical bills at the Penn State Children’s Hospital in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Similarly, all of the money raised for Upper Perk’s Mini-Thon will be donated to the Four Diamonds organization.

This year, the Mini-Thon committee has stepped up its game as they work hard to market more intensely. Gabby plans to “post a lot more, have interviews filmed and put on UPTV, fundraise frequently, and get more awareness out of the event.”

Luckily, FBLA has also grown in size over the years. Emily Caciolo, president of FBLA states, “There’s way more people in FBLA this year… like triple the amount.” Both club members agree that this year, their goal is to work on outreach for the event. Similarly to Gabby, Emily agrees that if they market more for the event, more people are bound to attend.

The high school also plans a community hour each year before the event takes place for students. Families can come into the gym and buy a ticket that goes directly for the donation. There are games geared towards young kids, and it is an overall great way to open up the cause to a broader audience.

Remember to keep an eye out for Mini-Thon tickets as they go on sale during lunch. Come out for games, food, and music to support Four Diamonds and their mission to help fight childhood cancer.