DICKSON CITY, Pa. — The Double "R" Twirlettes are back at the Viewmont Mall this weekend for their annual Twirl-A-Thon. The first Twirl-A-Thon was held at the mall 45 years ago, and since then, it has become a cherished tradition all to benefit St. Joseph's Center.
"I've been a twirler for nine years, but I have been to the Twirl-A-Thon for my whole entire life," Kali Mercatili said.
That's because Kali is a fourth-generation Double "R" Twirlette. Her mom Kathleen is the current director. Kali's great-grandparents started the group 75 years ago, but it was her grandmother who brought the Twirl-A-Thon to the Viewmont Mall.
"45 years ago, my mother decided that she wanted to do something for the Double "R" Twirlettes to give back to the community that was always so great to them, so she started the Twirl-A-Thon," said Kathleen Mercatili.
The Twirlettes say their goal each year is to raise $1 more than the year before because all of the money goes directly to St. Joseph's Center in Scranton. They've been hosting other fundraisers for months ahead of this weekend, but the Twirl-A-Thon is the grand finale.
"We do big performances like the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade, where we're performing in front of two million people, but this event just means so much because it is benefiting St. Joseph's Center, which is such a wonderful organization in our community."
Every year after the Twirl-A-Thon, some of the students visit St. Joseph's Center to present the check and take a tour to see how this money is being used to help the children and adults served by St. Joe's.
Sadie Solensky is this year's featured twirler and says it is an honor to perform for this cause.
"I just love seeing the looks on the St. Joseph's patients because they all come and watch us."
Sister Maryalice Jacquinot of St. Joseph's Center says it is also a favorite event among the residents.
"They love to see the colors and hear the music and just be among the crowd and to know that they're very welcomed and they're honored," Sister Maryalice said.
The event is free and will be at the Viewmont Mall on Saturday, April 6, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. The students will collect donations throughout the afternoon.