On Saturday, UGA Miracle announced it had raised $1,201,133.25 for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at its annual Dance Marathon. More than 2,000 students, faculty, staff and community members gathered in Stegeman Coliseum to celebrate one of the University of Georgia’s largest student-run organizations and its 30th year on campus.
This milestone was marked by several changes to this year’s program — the largest being the move in venue from the Tate Student Center to Stegeman Coliseum and shortening the event to 13 hours, a significant difference from the traditionally 24-hour overnight marathon.
“Our hope is that the shortened event will increase participation, engagement and fundraising, contributing to Miracle’s success in the future,” said program Director Stella Mele.
Beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with the total reveal taking place at midnight, attendees enjoyed silent discos, live music and spending time with UGA Miracle families. The organization continued beloved traditions, including the “hair chop challenge,” morale color group games and the “Circle of Hope,” a moment at the end of the marathon in which attendees remove the hospital bands they are given to wear throughout the duration of the event. These bracelets serve as a reminder of the patients who wear the same bracelets during their stay in the hospital.
Each year, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta patients, also known as “Miracle children,” and their families look forward to attending Dance Marathon to interact with students and share their stories. This year, four new families became “UGA Miracle Families.” These families spend time with UGA Miracle students throughout the year at family days, high school dance marathons and an opportunity to tour Sanford Stadium.
It’s a year-round effort
Throughout the year, UGA Miracle students worked to contribute to the final total by participating in fundraising pushes such as “Beyond Limits” and “Ring the Bell.” The recent “Presidents Day” fundraising challenge between Greek and other student organization presidents broke previous records a few weeks before Dance Marathon.
In the spirit of change, the students re-envisioned one of their largest fall fundraising pushes, “Launching Our Legacy,” to inspire members of the organization to create a lasting impact on the future of children’s health and remind the broader campus community of the organization’s mission – “this generation fighting for the next.” In total, the students raised more than $530,000 through these fundraisers.
UGA Miracle also sought to collaborate across campus this year, bringing back the Tour of Homes with UGA’s Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils and promoting an exhibition game benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta with UGA men’s basketball. At this year’s H. Gordon and Francis S. Davis Student Engagement Awards, UGA Miracle brought home Most Innovative Program as a result of their work with UGA men’s basketball, as well as the Excellence in Marketing and Communication award for their efforts toward digital rebranding.
Additionally, Dance Marathon 2025 celebrated the recent opening of the Arthur M. Blank Children’s Hospital – a new facility in Atlanta that many of UGA Miracle’s members have been able to visit. On these tours, students have seen their fundraising efforts at work through rehabilitation services and the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.
Last September, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta moved all patients from Egleston Hospital to the new Arthur M. Blank Children’s Hospital. The city of Atlanta temporarily shut down roads so that over 200 patients could be moved to the new facility via ambulances.
“Our executive board got to tour the hospital shortly after its grand opening, and tours have been a special event for our general body members promoting cause-connection fundraising,” said Hospital Relations Chair Kathleen Cordell. “I’m personally excited to see all the incredible work that the hospital will do for its patients and UGA Miracle’s role in changing kids health in the coming years.”
Total fundraising over the years tops $16M
UGA Miracle has raised more than $16 million for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and was recognized last summer by Children’s Miracle Network as they received the Ryan White Award for Overcoming Adversity, an award recognizing the organization’s resilience in hosting Dance Marathon 2024 after two student tragedies impacted UGA’s campus.
When the total number was revealed at midnight, celebrations and emotion were high as the students’ hard work paid off and the year came to an end.
“As we celebrate our 30th year and return to Stegeman Coliseum, we have embraced the energy and legacy of this event like never before – it’s been an exciting time for our organization,” said Communications Director Emma Earwood.
