Elizabethtown Area High School (EAHS), 600 E. High St., Elizabethtown, will hold its 17th annual Mini-THON on Friday, March 8. The event, organized by the student-run Mini-THON committee, aims to raise funds for Four Diamonds, which supports pediatric cancer research and assists families affected by childhood cancer.

Mini-THON, inspired by Penn State's THON, is a year-long initiative culminating in a 12-hour overnight dance marathon at EAHS. This year, the fundraising goal is set at $75,000, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Four Diamonds Fund.

Leading this year's efforts is senior Emma Keener, serving as head overall of the committee. Assisting her are juniors Haley De Stefano and Isla Schoenberger, co-overalls.

The theme for this year's Mini-THON is "Launch Cancer Out Of This World." The event will kick off at 6 p.m. on March 8, with student dancers engaging in various activities, games and competitions throughout the night. The pinnacle of the event will be the fundraising reveal at 6 a.m. on Saturday, March 9.

EAHS invites families and community members take part in the event from 7 to 10 p.m. Separate admission fees have been set for adults and students. Children age 5 and under will be admitted free of charge.

Attendees can enjoy an assortment of activities, including the Stand Up To Cancer Comedy Show, run by the school's Business Management and Marketing II course. An additional ticket will be required for the show. Additional donations will also be asked for the video game room, face painting, photo booth and science experiences from Elizabethtown College of Science and Motion.

Food offerings will be available from the Philly Cheesesteak food truck and the Spot Hometown Deli, with proceeds contributing to the fundraising goal.

Individuals will be able to purchase a "Light of Hope" lantern to honor those affected by cancer. The lanterns will be featured in the Lights of Hope Luminary Ceremony at 9:30 p.m., symbolizing the collective effort in the fight against cancer.

Mini-THON holds special significance for the Elizabethtown community, Chris Millard was a student at Elizabethtown Area Middle School when he was diagnosed with cancer. While battling the disease, he wrote a story, titled "The Four Diamonds," about a brave knight who had to conquer a challenging quest using courage, wisdom, strength and honesty to help him overcome the evil sorceress. Chris died on Dec. 17, 1972, and his story inspired the Four Diamonds Fund.

Started in 1973, the Four Diamonds has evolved into the largest student-run philanthropy globally. Seventy percent of all THON and Mini-THON fundraising goes toward research designed to find a cure to pediatric cancer. In addition, funds are used to pay bills and assist families in every way possible, including providing funding for music therapy and meal vouchers. One of the first patients to ever benefit from the Four Diamonds Fund 40 years ago was from a family in Elizabethtown. That patient is now a physician.

For more information on how to get involved in the upcoming Mini-THON, visit http://www.etownschools.org or contact advisor Christa Raudenbush at christa_raudenbush@etownschools.org or 717-367-1533.