Schools
Upper Moreland Mini-Thon Raises $9,118 for Pediatric Cancer
On Friday December 14, Upper Moreland students raised $9,118 for the Four Diamonds Fund to help for research with Pediatric Cancer.
On Friday December 14, over one hundred students packed into Upper Moreland Intermediate School for six straight hours - from 6 p.m. until midnight - to dance for a cure, to celebrate those who have won the battle and to bring awareness to Pediatric Cancer.
Emily Dormer, a senior at Upper Moreland, had the idea to have a Mini-Thon after she attended Penn State’s Thon in 2010. Dormer then approached the idea with Key Club advisor Howard Cohen and a planning committee was built from students involved in Key Club and Student Council. The students were divided into committees to begin the planning process in May of 2012. This group continued to meet on a regular basis over the summer and more regularly as the school year approached. The group advertised the event to the students through the student-run morning show “Bear Facts”. Students had to raise a minimum of $50.00 to participate but were encouraged to raise more as all the proceeds go directly towards the Four Diamonds Fund at the Hershey Medical Center. After months of planning and anticipation Upper Moreland held its first annual Mini-Thon for Pediatric Cancer.
The event was more than just an average high school dance.
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“My favorite part of the evening is the atmosphere, you don’t expect much from a bunch of high schools but wow."
- junior Enrique Mitchell
The six-hour dance-a-thon had grade competitions, a lip sync contest, board games, Wii games and more for all participants. As a great time was had by all, it wasn’t until family hour where everyone truly realized why they were dancing and what they were dancing for. Co-Chair Emily Dormer’s cousin inspired everyone by sharing a story of her friend Connor who lost his battle with cancer in 2011. At that moment all dancers came together for each other, for the kids that lost the battle and for the kids who continue to fight every day, they came together for the kids.
Find out what's happening in Upper Moreland-Willow Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The evening quickly turned from a dance into a celebration when committee members announced that they raised $9,118 for Pediatric Cancer. Many committee members were astonished knowing their goal was only five thousand dollars. The celebration had begun as students began to cheer and scream for the last hour remaining.
“I am ready for next year now.”
- junior Caroline Morris
Friday evening was a prime example of young people working together to change the world as all $9,118 will go to help children fight and hopefully find a cure for Pediatric Cancer.
