Thon: The Event

This year, North Allegheny’s fifth annual TigerThon was originally scheduled for the end of March, but as a precaution to the outbreak of COVID-19, the event is postponed to May. The committees have been working year round to ensure the event’s success. During football season, specialized “TigerThon” shirts filled the student section during Gage’s arrival upon the field. The football community honored him that evening, collected donations and promoted the event. In the winter, committees traveled throughout the district to carol in local neighborhoods during the holiday season. Additionally, the Lemieux Ice Complex hosted a skating night with 50% of the proceeds donated to TigerThon. In early spring, TigerThon created a pancake breakfast for community members; the committees volunteered all morning flipping pancakes. Not to mention the dozens of local restaurant fundraisers held throughout the year. Needless to say, the TigerThon members have been working extremely hard to spread the word about the event.

The event will take place in May, on a date still to be determined, from 5-11pm. From face-painting to photo booths, the night includes activities for people of any age. Local businesses and restaurants donate food, and the food supply seems never-ending. Ichiban, YUM, Monte Cellos, and more donate their most popular food items to the event. The auditorium foyer is transformed into a NERF war zone for an alternative to the dance floor. The artistic TigerThon captains provide face-painting services for kids of all ages; they can paint anything from ribbons to animals to Spider-Man. Of course, the most promoted part of the night is the dancing. People swarm the gym and dance for hours. Not only is there a featured D.J., but NASH’s very own choir kids serenade the audience for a song or two. For many, the sports team dance-off is one of the most entertaining aspects of the night. Softball, baseball, lacrosse, soccer, and basketball all face off in an intense dance battle. The winner is determined by applause levels, and competitive spirits arise.

But, no doubt, the most emotional moment of the night is when Gage and Brody enter. Their parents speak about their intense journey of dealing with cancer. Undoubtedly, the audience’s eyes well with tears as the hearing the gratitude justifies the hard work put into the event. Ben Cinker emphasizes the importance of the event, “Through TigerThon, we create relationships with these families and each other where we can empower those around us, and it is really important to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.”

At 11:00 the captains line up on the bleachers and reveal the grand total. Captain, Carli Leonard, explains this moment: “The only ones who know how much we have all together is myself, my two other head event captains, and our teacher sponsor Mrs. Kohlmann. The other thirty captains, committee members and the audience have no idea. It’s super cool to see everyone’s reaction as well as seeing the hard work pay off.”

This year, TigerThon hopes to match, if not beat, last year’s total of $100,000.

No child fights alone, and everything TigerThon does is for the kids.

The TigerThon Committee will continue to accept donations through the end of night on March 28.  Donations can be made here or at the event.