Behind the Joint Effort: PaTHONza

By Xinyan Zheng (284)

An annual spring dance marathon inaugurated back in 2015, CentralTHON aims to fundraise for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) Children’s Fund. However, this school year marked a change in the club’s operations. Rather than having their club’s efforts culminate into one end-of-the-year event, CentralTHON now plans on having multiple events throughout the year to maximize their fundraising potential, with their first one that had taken place this past December, named PaTHONza.

Ivan Boyko (283), Co-Executive Director of CentralTHON became involved during his sophomore year when 282 members sought to revive the tradition after returning from the pandemic. In previous years preparing for the THON was always hectic leading up to the chief event. He says by “try[ing] new things and see[ing] what works and what does not work,” THON strives to “spread out what we can do so, as a club, we are ultimately more involved throughout the school year.”

Kicking off the THON’s new school year, PaTHONza was planned on short notice when members discovered an availability for an event during the December SEL Day. PaTHONza encapsulates characteristics of two of Central’s beloved festivities: Central Palooza’s inclusivity of other clubs participating and Central THON’s food and music. To gain admission to the event, students could either pay two dollars during advisory or four dollars at the door. Admission included access to all club activities consisting of board games, singing competitions, henna, free raffle entries, and more.

The THON board comprises twelve members tasked with different responsibilities that are essential to the event running smoothly. These include obtaining donations and sponsors, organizing the event, and creating decorations. The day before the event, THON committee members and volunteers began setting up the dance gym by sanitizing and positioning tables and chairs around the perimeter of the dance gym while stringing up rows of lights. On December 15, under the glow of twinkling fairy lights and the roar of holiday music, over twenty clubs adorned their booths in the dance gym with the intent of donating their proceeds to CHOP as well.

A popular event was the Red Cross and Calligraphy, which designed Christmas cards that would be distributed to patients at CHOP. Other activities included creating stickers from Art Club, beading phone charms from ASAO, and pressing buttons with Voter Engagement. THON had a table just outside the dance gym door where attendees could enter themselves in raffles for gift cards, theater tickets, and a skincare set. Along the first floor main hallway, tables were lined up which constructed a cafe where several clubs sold concessions such as brownies, juice boxes, chips, and more food. One table run by Future Nurses at Central (FNAC) sold miracle berries that when consumed causes sour foods to taste sweet.

Although a joyous event, PaTHONza still encountered a lower turnout than usual for THON events due to its placement on a half day and an SEL day before a weekend. Ivan Boyko (283) stresses that “having a full day event is essential for THON’s success and we plan to advocate for one in the future.” Without enough people or enough time to enjoy the event, there is a noticeable difference in the amount of money raised. Despite being planned in only two weeks and occurring on a half-day with low school-wide attendance, PaTHONza was still incredibly successful and raised almost one thousand dollars! Thank you to all CentralTHON board members and the participating clubs that brought PaTHONza to reality. Here’s to hoping for more (and full day) THON events soon!