Fourth-grade student Sabrina Stephani and her friends were among the 136 attendees who gathered Friday in Pleasant Valley Intermediate School’s cafeteria to raise money for pediatric cancer.

“I had a lot of fun and knew most of the songs,” Stephani said.

Dressed in flannel shirts, blue jeans and cowboy boots, the girls sang along with Steel Creek Band’s cover songs by country musicians such as Johnny Cash, Darius Rucker and Sugarland.

The girls have a special connection to the band.

Its lead singer and guitarist Jeni Hackett is also their teacher. They cheered and clapped as songs ended and perused her merchandise table.

“This was fabulous. We danced and sang all night long,” Hackett said.

For the third year, the band and The Wild Rose Dance Club in Kresgeville partnered for this Four Diamonds Mini-THON.

In addition to ticket sales, a group of teachers and the school librarian sold concessions such as hot dogs, soft pretzels, soda, bottled water and chips.

“I greatly appreciate everything that anybody does for THON! It was and still is a big part of our lives,” said Sharon Jones, a beginner line dancer.

Her son, David, was diagnosed with cancer at age 19 and battled it for two years.

“He was 21 when he died. This April, it will be eight years,” she said.

One hundred percent of monies donated goes for the kids, whether it be toward more research at Hershey Medical Hospital for a cure for pediatric cancer or for the Four Diamonds Fund that help the families whose children have cancer, she said.

During the first hour, Schuler taught the crowd a few simple line dances to prerecorded music, including Luke Bryan’s “I Don’t Want This Night to End.”

Texas Roadhouse mascot Andy the Armadillo came out to dance and mingled with the crowd while handing out coupons for the Stroudsburg location.

“This was great. I enjoy doing this for such a worthy cause,” said Judi Schuler, who co-owns the dance club with her husband, Ken.

Besides Schuler, newbies could follow the footsteps of more experienced dancers who go to the Wild Rose one or more nights each week.

The band performed during the second hour, and the crowd continued to practice their dance moves.

Whether it is learning to line dance, or some other new activity, Jones has fun while supporting a cause that has impacted her personally.

“Every little bit helps, and I applaud everyone who participates,” said Jones. “It’s the WORST thing for a parent to go through that with their child and then have that child die before them.”

For more information about the charity, log on to https://www.fourdiamonds.org.