CMMS to Host Second Mini-THON April 28; Goal is to Raise $10,000

By LaKeshia Knarr

MILL HALL – Students at Central Mountain Middle School are multitasking for a good cause. They’re fundraising, getting active and simultaneously taking a stand against childhood cancer.

That’s because they’re currently in the midst of planning the second annual Mini-THON, scheduled to take place from 2 to 8 p.m. on April 28 at CMMS, 100 Ben Ave., Mill Hall. The public will be welcome from 7:30 to 8 p.m., when the unveiling of the total amount raised will take place. The event features six hours of non-stop activities and the goal is to raise $10,000 by day’s end.  The money will go to a special cause.

Mini-THON fundraisers are modeled after the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) and proceeds benefit Four Diamonds, whose mission is to conquer childhood cancer. The organization has been able to assist 100 percent of the childhood cancer patients who have been treated at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.

Fundraising at CMMS has already begun – and this is how the community gets involved and supports the cause. So far, the youngsters have raised $3,065 – and they’re hopeful they can reach their goal.

CMMS Vice Principal Michael Baughman, a Penn State University grad, began the research on how to start a Mini-THON at the school back in the summer of 2015 and worked with other faculty, staff and administration, as well as representatives from Four Diamonds, to bring the program to CMMS last year. From there – it’s been a CMMS student-led initiative.

“I’m excited we’re doing it again this year and building off what we did last year,” said Baughman, adding that he is proud of the students and teachers for their hard work. “It’s such a good opportunity for the students to continue making the impact they are making. I’m anxious to see what the total is this year!”

Over 100 students applied to serve on the Mini-THON Committee this year, explained advisor Jessica Whipple. She said it was difficult narrowing down the applicants to only 30. While roughly 20% of the student population signed up to participate last year, Whipple believes more will come out this year. “Kids, since the beginning of the year, have been talking about it,” she said.

Sub-committees are set up to divvy out tasks related to the 6-hour event, including Social Media, Hospitality, Entertainment, Fundraising and Morale, among others. The groups meet each Thursday during Club Day to strategize.

“It’s really important to me because it’s hard to see children go through cancer and I feel really bad for the parents because of how (expensive it is),” said eighth grader Destini Hanley, who serves on the Social Media Sub-committee. “We have been posting a lot on different social media to get people to see it and come… It makes them want to come to Mini-THON.”

Eighth grader Peyton Johnson has similar reasons for participating. “I’m just happy I got picked for it actually… I got picked and I thought if I can somehow make a difference for at least one kid, it would be satisfying.”

“I find it as a way to give back to the community and help children in need,” said seventh grader Emma Page, who serves on the Hospitality Sub-committee. “I wanted to take advantage of being a part of this … to help people in need.”

“I joined because three people in my family have had cancer. It’s hard for adults and you can image how it is for a kid,” said sixth grader Jackson Proctor, also a Hospitality Sub-committee member. “The one thing I like about (participating) is you get to put something on for the community and help kids.”

Proctor is actually the individual who has raised the most of money so far this year, at $560.

In the coming weeks, the students will continue to fundraise and do community outreach. They intend to present to the Keystone Central school board in April and also will be on WBPZ April 20.

Special guests are expected, including “Mike the Mailman” – a special Penn State celebrity who often attended the PSU THONs. Other guests are still being determined.  In addition, Kline Michael Williams, a 2016 Central Mountain High School graduate, will be donating his disc jockeying services for the event.

Olivia Bognnani is assisting with organization of the Mini-THON dance and helped plan the Gold Out Games for her Senior Project at CMHS, as well, explained Whipple.

The funds raised so far have been garnered through business and individual donations as well as student creative fundraisers, such as “Gold Out Games,”  where the school sold gold shirts – representing the color for pediatric cancer – to students to wear to sporting events; a “No Shave November” contest, where male faculty members didn’t shave for the month and students voted each week on their favorite beards for a penny per vote; selling of Four Diamonds swag items; and the traditional donor drive.

To donate, visit http://fourdiamonds.donordrive.com/event/cmms17/.

Tax-deductible donations may be made by contacting Angela Harding, KCSD communication and community outreach, at aharding@kcsd.us or 570-893-4900, ext. 2314. To write a check donation, make it out to “Four Diamonds.”

Those wishing to donate food, snacks and beverages for the event may also consider doing so. Contact CMMS Vice Principal Mike Baughman at mbaughman@kcsd.k12.pa.us, Jessica Whipple at jwhipple@kcsd.k12.pa.us, or Jaime Kessinger at jkessing@kcsd.k12.pa.us; or call the middle school at 570-726-3141 to reach one of the advisors directly.

Businesses donating to the cause so far include Suzanne Edwards DDS, Susquehanna Eye Associates LLC, Woodlands Bank, Chatham Run Feed Mill, Flowers by Monica and Central PA Auto Auction.