Hempfield Mini-THON raises more than $61K for childhood cancer research

Hempfield Area students raised more than $61,500 for the Four Diamonds nonprofit through their 2023-2024 Mini-THON fundraisers that culminated in a 12-hour event on April 5.

Mini-THON, a high school version of the popular Penn State fundraiser that raises money for pediatric cancer patients and families, raised $57,600 last year at Hempfield Area School District.

Throughout this past year, the Mini-THON group held a cancer awareness football game, collected donations around the Hempfield and Greensburg area and hosted a joint volleyball tournament in conjunction with Greensburg Salem School District’s Mini-THON team.

At the April 5 fundraiser, 220 Hempfield juniors and seniors spent the entire day standing without taking breaks and took part in various activities. Guest speakers from Penn State, along with pediatric cancer survivors, presented to the students during the event.

This was the second year Hempfield held Mini-THON, said advisor Ashley Testa.

”The kids did an amazing job. I wasn’t sure that year two would be as exciting as year one, just because (with) year one, you come out and everybody’s so excited, but they surpassed,” Testa said. “This year, we’re $4,000 over, which is crazy and amazing.”

“The kids just showcased double the excitement, the enthusiasm and the camaraderie, which is really the point of the whole exercise — not only to raise money for pediatric cancer, but to come together as a community. I love watching that.”