Forty-seven years ago, the Double “R” Twirlettes hosted their very first twirl-a-thon to benefit the works and mission of St. Joseph’s Center in Dunmore. Now, once again, the culmination of their fundraising efforts will be celebrated at the Viewmont Mall in Dickson City.

This year’s twirl-a-thon will be held Saturday, April 11, from noon to 2 p.m. in the mall’s center court near the former Forever 21.

The Double “R” Twirlettes are a baton twirling and gymnastics-based dance group that was founded 77 years ago, also in Dickson City.

Kathleen Mercatili is their current director, with her mother, Rosemary Yankovich, being the last director and her grandparents, Helen and Roman Pilch, being the group’s founders. Mercatili’s daughter, Kali, is a member of the group as well.

“(My grandmother) wanted girls to get involved with the local drum and bugle group during holidays, and so she helped found what is today the Twirlettes,” Mercatili said. The group was named after the Pilches’ two children, Rosemary — Mercatili’s mother — and Rita.

The Twirlettes hold classes in Blakely, Throop, Scranton and Daleville.

Although baton twirling is in their name, the Twirlettes’ repertoire includes various kinds of performance, including ribbon dancing, floor routines and using props to tell the stories of their shows.

This year’s show celebrates the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, and includes red, white and blue costumes and various patriotic songs and dances. They’ve been invited to perform their show at the New York St. Patrick’s Day parade and Philadelphia’s “Welcome America” Salute to Independence parade this July, among other events this year.

“All of the events and parade and cruise performances are fun, for sure, but the most important thing is the local community,” said Mercatili. “We always try to make sure that the kids understand just how much we can help the people who need it most here in the Northeast.”

The biggest of these efforts to help the community is their annual twirl-a-thon, with the beneficiary of their fundraising always being St. Joseph’s Center. The center is a care facility that focuses its efforts on helping children and adults with various disabilities, and is a nonprofit that relies solely on fundraising and public generosity to continue its 126-year-long mission.

Although the twirl-a-thon is far from the only annual fundraiser helping the center, the group makes it its mission to raise as much money as possible.

“I tell them, especially the little ones, about the challenges that those who are at (St. Joseph’s Center) face,” Mercatili said. “And during the twirl-a-thon, they always bring people to the mall, so the twirlers are able to see the faces of those who are being helped by their donations.”

Every year, each Twirlette fundraises by asking friends and family to donate to their individual campaigns. The end of the fundraiser is celebrated with the twirl-a-thon at the Viewmont Mall, although donations are still accepted from the public during this time. The final total is then given to St. Joseph’s. In the past, a check presentation has also been done during WNEP’s annual telethon in July.

The highest-collecting Twirlette of the group, 12-year-old Alessandra Morelli-Kolatis, is happy that her and the rest of the group’s efforts have a real and tangible effect on St. Joseph’s and the people who take care of them.

“I like being able to raise money for people who need it the most, and we get to see where it’s going. During the performance, the residents always look so happy to see us performing,” said Morelli-Kolatis.

Admission for the Double “R” Twirlettes 47th annual twirl-a-thon is free. The event is open to the public, with donations accepted.

Those who can’t make it to the mall but would still like to donate can contact a member of the group, message its Facebook page or call 570-489-1935.

If you go

What: Double “R” Twirlettes 47th annual twirl-a-thon benefiting St. Joseph’s Center

When: Saturday, April 11, noon to 2 p.m.

Where: Viewmont Mall in Dickson City, in the center court near the former Forever 21.

How to donate: Donations will be accepted at the event. Those who can’t attend can donate by contacting a member of Double “R” Twirlettes, messaging their Facebook page or calling 570-489-1935.