There was dancing, video games, Wiffle ball tournaments, and more dancing, but the highlight of Palmerton Area High School’s first Mini-THON came Sunday morning after 12 fun but exhausting hours.

“We all had a lot of fun, but I think the best part is getting to unveil the dollar amount that was raised,” Palmerton senior Jake Martinez said. “That’s why each of us are here.”

That much-anticipated number, $18,697, far exceeded the goal of $7,500 set when event planning began last year. All funds raised go to Four Diamonds, which has assisted 100 percent of the childhood cancer patients who have been treated at Penn State Children’s Hospital.

The night began at 10 p.m. and featured dancing and competitions throughout the secondary campus buildings. From Kan Jam to Twister, and Family Feud to Wii dance contests, Mini-THON packed the night with action until its conclusion at 10 a.m.

“It couldn’t have gone better,” Martinez said. “When we started planning this back in December, we never expected to get the turnout we had. To get over 120 students to come out, and all for a good cause, that is the important thing. School involvement is always tough, but we got everyone together behind a great cause. It’s a great feeling to know we are going to be impacting so many lives in such a significant way.”

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In addition to helping children with their battle against cancer, the event was brainstormed as another way to bring the school together. While planning the event, Palmerton spoke with other schools, such as Notre Dame Green Pond, which has a successful decadelong run holding its own Mini-THON. The atmosphere on Saturday night/Sunday morning proved the planning efforts to be a success.

“I think you saw kids who normally don’t hang out together bonding and having a lot of fun, so in addition to raising money, that is what this is all about,” student council co-adviser Josh Nenscel said. “We really hope this is the start of a tradition here at Palmerton. As long as we have a good committee, we hope to do it every year.”

In one of the most scenic parts of the night, the lights in the gymnasium were turned off, leaving students to enjoy a glow-stick dance party.

Teams also competed in the always popular Tug-of-War. Throughout the night, students took turns signing a banner with the hashtag WhyIThon.

Nenscel said the night represented a huge commitment on the part of parents, students and staff, with many students raising over $500 or $600 individually.

“Palmerton is a great community,” Martinez said. “People really come together for community events, whether it is sports or the drama club or anything. To have another event like this where people come out all night for the greater cause really drives that point home. This is bigger than any one of us.”

Though he’s a senior, Martinez said he hopes to see the school carry on the tradition for years to come.

“We’d love to bring it back,” he said. “Our new student council advisers, Mr. Nenscel and Mrs. Baumgardt, have brought so much positive change to Palmerton and really brought fun back into the school. That is such an important part of it. They make the educational experience so much more enjoyable.”