Photo by Ben Otte
“The end of the night is always the most emotional for me because the total we raise every year is simply amazing. Seeing that we could give back not only money but also hope to the families during their difficult times is what gets me the most. -Cary Anderson, Mini-THON Senior Co-Chairman By Bella McCarey Staff Writer Seven years and over $276,000 strong, the 2013 Red Lion Mini-THON comes to an emotional and much celebrated end after months upon months of planning. The well known and respected charitable event the high school’s “Mini-THON” club holds every year came and went this past Friday night as hundreds of dancers cheered after the revelation of this year’s “almost total” of donations (money is still pending from a fundraiser at Locust Grove Elementary School and a community night which was recently held at the Great American Saloon). A final countdown of the last 10 seconds before everyone could sit down and the tears of departing seniors and exhausted dancers had concluded the successful night. “I think it was successful because of the addition of a lot of new things such as the idea of the superhero theme, and a lot more small games [such as hula hoop races and the frozen t-shirt challenge],” said senior Jake Owens. Dancers from start to finish, 6 am to 6 pm, were kept busy by doing everything from Ultimate Frisbee and Dodgeball tournaments, to Balloon-o-grams, to playing video games and participating in the line dance held at the beginning of every hour. The teaching of the line dance and family hour kicked off the fun-filled night, and it helped to remind students why they were there and why they should be motivated to stay active on their feet for the whole 12 hours. “I just want everyone to understand that the pain you get by standing for 12 straight hours does not compare to the amount of pain that the children and the families go through on a daily basis,” said senior chair Cary Anderson. “By sitting down you are giving up and sending a message that quitting is an option. The least we could do is stand 12 straight hours.” Junior dancer Tori Heckert said, “My feet were killing me, I was dying but I had to hold out and it is such an accomplishment and I'm glad I have done it every year.” Feet swelling up, backs aching, necks cramping up and heads spinning were just a couple symptoms of sleep deprived dancers. However, hunger and boredom were not as dancers were well fed with gratifying food that was ongoingly prepared and brought out by groups of dedicated volunteers and committee members. “My favorite thing offered was swimming. It seemed to refresh me and push me on for the second half of the night,” said sophomore dancer Carissa Argento. “Even though that Mini-THON brings on a lot of pain and tiredness, it is totally worth it. The kids are what keep me moving. FTK!”
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“He’s stronger than a superhero,” says Lori Weiss about her son, Aaron Weiss. Mini-THON officially kicked off their campaign at Wednesday's school assembly to pump up students for what's to come for this year's superhero-themed event. By Rachel McKinsey Senior Editor The reason behind hosting a Mini-THON each year is to raise money in honor of a family affected by childhood cancer for the Four Diamonds Fund. The money raised this year is in honor of Aaron Weiss, an eleven year old fifth grader from Locust Grove. He was diagnosed on February 7, of this year, with a brain tumor. “Sick,” was all, his father Marc Weiss, could say about finding out the news. Lori Weiss said she was devastated to say the least. “You hear about it (cancer) all the time, and you go through life not thinking it would happen,” says Lori Weiss, Aaron’s mother. The Four Diamonds fund means something different to each person who knows what it is. For the Weiss family it means a hidden blessing. “It’s a philanthropic organization that has your back,” said Marc. Lori said, “It’s good to know someone is there for you.” Aaron “ a man of few words” says, “It’s cool,” to be chosen for this years Mini-THON. “Thank you for the opportunity and support. Go Red Lion,” said Marc. “God has a plan and it’s for good, something miraculous will happen,” said Lori. This years’ Mini THON will be held May 24 to the 25 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Everyone must raise a minimum of 75 dollars to attend. The deadline to sign up is April 26. Some new things this year will be a blow up obstacle course with a rock wall, a life size Jenga game, and a make-your-own-cape setup. "Just like the student body heard Wednesday during the kick-off assembly, Mini-THON has a direct and vital impact on the lives of those dealing with cancer. Our rallying cry “For The Kids” never rang clearer than it did today, “ said chairmen Jake Owens. You can follow Red Lion Mini-THON on Twitter at @RLMiniTHON. Online registration is also available by clicking here. Video to come soon... By Rachel McKinsey Staff Writer Mini THON has recently teamed up with the York Educational Federal Credit Union to raise money. A collective desire to see more students open accounts through the credit union, lead the union to set up a deal with Mini Thon. For every person who opens an account with the credit union, ten dollars will be donated towards Mini THON. The credit union is located inside the dining room next to the school store and is open during lunch. Anyone in the building is able to open an account. Learn more about YEFCU on their website. |
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