The MiniTHON may have to be renamed, for it is not very mini.

Dozens of students turned out Saturday for the seventh annual MiniTHON, hosted by the Tamaqua Area Student Government Association to benefit pediatric cancer research.

Funds raised are earmarked for the Tamaqua-Carbon American Cancer Society.

“This (Tamaqua Area School District) is where the telethon started, so it’s great to keep our school connected,” said Steve Ulicny, Tamaqua Area Student Government Adviser. “All proceeds benefit the Tamaqua-Carbon chapter of the American Cancer Society, staying local. Sadly enough we have two students in our district fighting cancer.”

Starting at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Tamaqua Area High School gym, students chose from a number of activities, including a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, 6-on-6 volleyball tournament, cornhole and can jam games, and an open swim for elementary students. Students also organized a bake sale and food sale.

“The miniTHON was started by the student government,” said Abby Fiorilla, Tamaqua Student Council president. “The theme has always been kids helping kids.”

Ulicny said that the students’ fundraising efforts have always been very successful.

“We average raising about $5,000 a year,” he said. “Although I don’t have the totals from today, adding up the years, we are getting close to $40,000.”

Sponsors for the event were: Andreas Silicone, Banning Orthodontics, Bowe & Odorizzi Law Offices, Boyle Electro Mechanical, C&M Custom Targets, Graver’s Landscape Design, Jack Rich Inc., Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, Leiby’s Ice Cream House & Restaurant, Rough Cut BBQ, Sean McLaughlin Dentistry, Seltzer Group, Sister’s Cantina, Zion Lutheran Church, and Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Service Inc.