Students at Norwin High School are bustling about the school’s newest club, Norwin Mini THON. Mini THON’s rapid growth in popularity has caught the eye of the students here at Norwin. Its’ jump to 140 members in its first year leaves the public eager to know what Mini THON is all about.
So, what is Norwin Mini THON? It is a club structured off of the famous Penn State THON that raises money through fundraisers for a cancer research program called Four Diamonds. Norwin Mini THON will raise money through various activities that strive to bring the community together for the greater good of the kids.
All of the money from Norwin Mini THON will go to the Four Diamonds program. Four Diamonds is a program that covers one-hundred percent of the medical expenses for kids with cancer at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.
Although Mini THON has already held fundraising activities like a car wash and 50/50 at the Norwin Girls Soccer game, they are aiming for bigger events. They hope to hold events such as a school Halloween party or a movie night in the park.
Founder, Norwin senior, Shae Sida explained that she started the club because she always wanted to make a difference in the community. She heard about other local schools like Hempfield starting a Mini THON club and realized it would be good for Norwin.
“Mini THON is for a great cause so I knew that a lot of people would enjoy and support it,” said Sida.
Mini THON is on the move to raise money for the kids with more car washing fundraisers on September 20, 21, and 27.
It’s important to know THON does not stop at car washes. They will be hosting some sort of Christmas activity, like cookie decorating and aim to raise a lot of money around the holidays.
Mini THON seeks to grow its member size and impact.
“We hope to collaborate with other clubs to create bigger events and raise more money for the kids,” said Sida.
As Norwin Mini THON keeps advertising, it is all for the kids, but it is also for the community. Sida wants to bring the student body together through fun competitions like a student vs teacher basketball game.
Interested students in Mini THON can join the club, attend the different events, and most importantly, help market the club. This means they help Norwin Mini THON build connections and ideally gain sponsorships.
Norwin Mini THON’s biggest event will be held at the end of the year with a 12-hour overnight party from 9pm to 9 am to celebrate the money raised throughout the year.
“All of the activities over the year raise money for the Four Diamonds program and the THON party celebrates the money Norwin Mini THON raised over the year,” said Sida. She also explained how unique opportunities will be held at the party, such as learning to line dance and following a Zumba instructor.
“Mini THON is more than just something to put on a resume,” Sida explained. “It is work done for a truly good cause.”
Students at Norwin High School are encouraged to follow Norwin Mini THON on Instagram. Sida made it clear that any advertisement for the club would be very helpful.
Sida and the rest of the club strive to make a great impact on the community. Everything they are doing is for the kids.
