Start a Mini-THON

Mini-THON Fundraising total

Start a Four Diamonds Mini-THON®

Join the Student-Led Movement to Conquer Childhood Cancer!

Become part of a powerful community of student leaders raising money for innovative research and patient care through Four Diamonds.

Start a Mini-THON!

The Mini-THON® program is endorsed by the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils (PASC)

We commend the Four Diamonds Mini-THON program for its outstanding contributions to student growth and for cultivating a culture of empathy and action within school communities. We encourage all student leadership organizations to consider hosting a Mini-THON event and joining this statewide movement For The Kids®.

– Dr. Rose Ann M. Fulena, Executive Director of PASC

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What is Mini-THON®?

Mini-THON is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement! 

Inspired by Penn State’s THON™, Mini-THON raises critical funds to accelerate life-saving research and support families facing childhood cancer by empowering K-12 students to lead year-long fundraising efforts that culminate in a high-energy, multi-hour celebration that’s filled with music, activities and meaningful moments. 

  • Over 200 schools participate
  • More than 50,000 students unite for the cause
  • Over $77 million raised since 1993
South Western High School

South Western High School
2025 Reveal: $35,484.78

Stroudsburg High School

Stroudsburg High School
2025 Reveal: $102,020.98

Bishop McDevitt High School

Bishop McDevitt High School
2025 Reveal: $71,760.14

Teen attendees of THON event

Why Start a Mini-THON®?

It’s about more than raising money—it’s about raising each other up.

Students Gain:

  • Real-world skills in marketing, fundraising, public speaking, leadership, and project management
  • Connections with peers united in the cause
  • A chance to support children and families battling cancer

Schools’ Potential Benefits Include:

  • Stronger student and employee collaboration engagement and collaboration
  • Stoked community pride and school spirit
  • Improved public image and philanthropic legacy

The Community Gains: 

  • Increased funding for pediatric cancer research that drives discovery of safer, more effective treatments.

  • Direct support for families through Four Diamonds’ comprehensive care programs, covering 100% of out-of-pocket medical expenses.

  • Increased access to world-class care at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital without financial burden.

Oh Wait, There’s More… 

The annual Four Diamonds Mini-THON Leadership Summit provides an opportunity for students and advisors to network and share ideas with other Mini-THON schools while receiving training from qualified professionals. This is a FREE event for current and prospective Mini-THON students and advisors!

Thank you to our event sponsor, MI Windows and Doors, for your continued support!

MI Windows and Doors

1 in 5 children diagnosed with cancer will not survive.

TOGETHER WE CAN CHANGE THIS REALITY.

Start a Mini-THON!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Start a Mini-THON®?

Starting a Mini-THON is a chance to lead, inspire your classmates, and raise support for kids and families facing childhood cancer.

Steps to Get Started:

  • Connect with Four Diamonds – We’ll pair you with a Mini-THON representative to guide your school.

Start a Mini-THON!

  • Get Admin Approval – Talk to a teacher, counselor, or principal for support.
  • Form a Planning Committee – Rally students who care.
  • Plan Your Year – Set goals, organize fundraisers, and spread the word.
  • Celebrate Big – Host your Mini-THON event and see your hard work pay off!

How to Be a Mini-THON® Advisor?

As a Mini-THON advisor, you’ll guide students through their fundraising journey—building life skills and school pride along the way.

Advisor Role Includes:

  • Overseeing a student leadership team
  • Liaising with school administration and Four Diamonds
  • Supporting fundraising, planning and event logistics

More FAQs

Anywhere from 6 weeks to 9 months, depending on your vision and scale.

No! Every dollar is needed and makes a difference in the fight to conquer childhood cancer. Four Diamonds helps fund extensive wraparound care through Penn State Health, which is only made possible through generosity like yours.

Learn More

Funds raised support world-class care at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and over 90 researchers working to cure pediatric cancer worldwide.

While Mini-THON was inspired by Penn State’s THON™ peer-to-peer fundraising style and supports the same beneficiary (Four Diamonds), Mini-THON’s primary aim is to engage K-12 audiences united in the fight to end childhood cancer. Additionally, Mini-THON and THON’s fundraising total reveals are not combined.

Have more questions or want to get involved? Contact us below!

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    To give a gift to Four Diamonds through Mini-THON, donate to a Mini-THON school or a student participant.

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