Greensburg Salem students hope to raise $55,000 for charity at Mini-THON

Greensburg Salem High School students are hoping to beat their fundraising record this weekend at Mini-THON, the school’s annual overnight dance marathon that raises money for children with cancer.

“We’re currently in our final push week running up to the event,” said Jalen Paige, a senior and finance manager for Mini-THON.

The students raise money at events throughout the year, leading up to the grand finale this weekend.

Senior and event planner Erika Christeleit said the team introduced several new events this year, including yoga nights and a “paint and sip” fundraiser.

One of the biggest successes was the “Miracles in Minutes” initiative, in which students solicited funds from spectators during halftime at Greensburg Salem football games, Christeleit said.

The total amount raised so far is being kept secret, even from organizers. It will be revealed Sunday morning, after the dance marathon.

The Greensburg Salem Mini-THON webpage at fourdiamonds.donordrive.com has raised more than $13,000 as of Wednesday morning.

“It’s all going toward a great cause,” said Ryan Thomas, a senior who is organizing corporate and alumni relations for the event.

The money goes to Four Diamonds, which covers medical expenses for children with cancer and funds cancer research through Penn State Children’s Hospital.

Schools in eight states hold Mini-THONs to support Four Diamonds, inspired by the annual charity dance THON at Penn State.

Last year, Greensburg Salem sailed past its $25,000 goal, raising almost $51,000.

This year students are hoping to raise at least $55,000.

Mini-THON chairman and senior Cavan Trout said he’s proud of his team and confident they can hit that goal.

“I feel like I have a great group of people, I’m really excited that I got to spend time with them while doing something amazing for our school,” he said.

The Mini-THON will kick off at the high school Saturday evening, and will be open to the public from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.