Dubstep, dodgeball and Four Diamonds all will collide in one place on Saturday, May 5, when Northeastern High School students hold their very first mini-THON.

Northeastern senior Ashley Schlieg came up with the idea and is chairwoman for the event, which is being organized by the Student Senate.

She was inspired by her older sister, who participated in Penn State's THON event that raised $10.6 million dollars for the Four Diamonds Fund this past February.

Penn State students raise money through their annual weekend dance marathon for the Four Diamonds Fund, which supports pediatric cancer research and helps to offset costs of treatment that a family's insurance won't cover.

Schools across the state have begun holding their own mini-THONs as well. Prior to the event at Northeastern, the Student Senate will hold a fundraising carnival at the York Galleria on Saturday, March 31.

"For the carnival, we wanted to come up with something that all ages could participate in and have fun that benefits the mini-THON," Schlieg said.

The carnival: From noon to 5 p.m. on that Saturday, the high school students will accept donations for The Four Diamonds Fund at their carnival in the lower level of the York Galleria by the JCPenney entrance.

"There is a duck pond game where children can come and pick a duck from a duck pond and win a prize, a soda ring toss game for teenagers, a bean bag toss and a few others," she said.

There will also be face-painting and an Easter egg hunt.

The goal: The students' goal is to raise $10,000 for the Four Diamonds Fund, said faculty advisor Donna Burns. Stores throughout the Galleria will have cans for people to donate money as well.

All proceeds from the carnival and mini-THON will benefit the Four Diamonds Fund, said Schlieg.

"It's a very good cause, and all of the money goes for cancer research," said Burns. "We're just trying to do it as a fun community event and get our kids helping other kids."

Northeastern's May 5 mini-THON will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the high school. In addition to dancing, there will be dodgeball tournaments and swimming.

Elementary school students from the district are welcome to participate from 1 to 2 p.m. in children's activities and games, and middle schoolers are welcome to join from 2 to 4 p.m.

- Reach Chelsea Shank at 505-5432 or cshank@yorkdispatch.com.