On Saturday, UGA Miracle revealed that it has succeeded in raising $1,201,133.25 for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta during its yearly Dance Marathon. Over 2,000 students, educators, staff, and individuals from the community convened in Stegeman Coliseum to commemorate one of the largest student-operated organizations at the University of Georgia and its 30th anniversary on campus.
This significant occasion was highlighted by a number of modifications to this year’s format — the most notable being the relocation from the Tate Student Center to Stegeman Coliseum and the reduction of the event’s duration to 13 hours, a considerable departure from the traditional 24-hour overnight marathon.
“We aspire for the shorter program to enhance participation, involvement, and fundraising, thereby aiding Miracle’s future achievements,” stated Program Director Stella Mele.
Kicking off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with the grand total unveiling occurring at midnight, participants relished silent discos, live performances, and quality time with UGA Miracle families. The organization preserved cherished traditions such as the “hair chop challenge,” morale color group activities, and the “Circle of Hope,” a poignant moment at the marathon’s conclusion where attendees remove their hospital bands worn throughout the event. These bands symbolize the children who share a similar experience during their time in the hospital.
Every year, patients from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, affectionately known as “Miracle children,” along with their families, eagerly await the Dance Marathon to connect with students and narrate their stories. This year, four new families joined the ranks of “UGA Miracle Families.” These families engage with UGA Miracle students throughout the year during family events, high school dance marathons, and a chance to explore Sanford Stadium.
A year-round commitment
Throughout the year, UGA Miracle participants dedicated their efforts to augment the final fundraising amount by engaging in initiatives such as “Beyond Limits” and “Ring the Bell.” The recent “Presidents Day” fundraising challenge involving Greek and other student organization leaders set new records just weeks prior to Dance Marathon.
Embracing change, the students reimagined one of their largest fall fundraising campaigns, “Launching Our Legacy,” to motivate organization members to cultivate a lasting influence on the future of children’s health and to remind the wider campus community of the organization’s mission – “this generation fighting for the next.” Collectively, the students amassed over $530,000 from these fundraising events.
This year, UGA Miracle also aimed to foster partnerships across the campus, reintroducing the Tour of Homes alongside UGA’s Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils and promoting a charity exhibition game supporting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta with UGA men’s basketball. During this year’s H. Gordon and Francis S. Davis Student Engagement Awards, UGA Miracle was honored with the title of Most Innovative Program due to their collaboration with UGA men’s basketball, as well as the Excellence in Marketing and Communication award for their digital rebranding efforts.
Moreover, Dance Marathon 2025 celebrated the recent inauguration of the Arthur M. Blank Children’s Hospital – a new establishment in Atlanta that numerous UGA Miracle members have had the opportunity to tour. During these visits, students witnessed the tangible impacts of their fundraising through rehabilitative services and at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.
In September of the previous year, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta relocated all patients from Egleston Hospital to the newly established Arthur M. Blank Children’s Hospital. Roads in Atlanta were temporarily closed to facilitate the transfer of over 200 patients to the new facility via ambulances.
“Our executive board had the privilege of touring the hospital shortly after its grand opening, and these tours have proven to be significant events for our general body members in promoting fundraising tied to meaningful causes,” remarked Hospital Relations Chair Kathleen Cordell. “I’m genuinely thrilled to observe all the remarkable work the hospital will perform for its patients and UGA Miracle’s part in enhancing children’s health in the years to come.”
Overall fundraising over the years exceeds $16M
UGA Miracle has successfully raised upwards of $16 million for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and was acknowledged last summer by Children’s Miracle Network when they received the Ryan White Award for Overcoming Adversity, which honors the organization’s determination in executing Dance Marathon 2024 following two student tragedies that affected UGA’s campus.
As the total was announced at midnight, jubilation and emotion surged as the students’ diligent efforts culminated and the year concluded.
“As we commemorate our 30th anniversary and return to Stegeman Coliseum, we have embraced the spirit and heritage of this event like never before – it’s been an exhilarating period for our organization,” expressed Communications Director Emma Earwood.
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