• Students prepare for second annual mini-Thon event

    thonMany Bellefonte Area High School students made luminary bags with personalized messages explaining “why they Thon,” mini-Thon fundraising student chairwoman Gabbie Pighetti said. Those bags will be set up near the entrance of the high school during mini-Thon on the night of March 23 with lights in them to symbolize the significance the event represents.

    The school is hosting its second annual mini-Thon from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. March 23, and is modeled after Penn State’s IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, which annually raises money for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The fund helps families of children diagnosed with cancer.

    And while student organizers said the planning process is “crazy,” come Friday, it will all be worth it.

    “One of the major aspects of it comes in the form of school unity,” student council President Eddie Fitzgerald said. “A lot of pride goes into it and students want to come together for a good cause.”

    Preparations began in the fall by members of the student council, and included a series of fundraisers that helped raise money for the Four Diamonds fund and to help offset costs it would take to make mini-Thon a reality. Organizers are expecting up to 200 students to attend this year’s event. Last year, there were about 80.

    It will include live entertainment from local rapper Meechi Blanco; State College-based band Velveeta; and a student-run band called, Sauce. Teacher Allison Kyte will also be donating her hair to a charity that makes wigs for kids.

    Last year, more than $5,000 was raised. This year’s goal is to raise about $7,000.

    *By Brit Milazzo, public relations director, BASD