On Sunday afternoon, UGA Miracle, the University of Georgia’s largest student-run philanthropy, announced it had raised $1,032,572 for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Nearly 2,000 students representing more than 30 student organizations gathered in Tate Student Center Grand Hall overnight Feb. 25-26 for UGA Miracle’s annual Dance Marathon.
Beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday and lasting until Sunday afternoon, thousands of students, faculty, staff and members of “Miracle Families” danced, enjoyed live music, and continued fundraising for the final few hours of a yearlong effort.
This was the 28th annual Dance Marathon. The event is a symbolic gesture of sacrificing a day in support of children who have had to sacrifice much more of their own time to combat illness in hospitals. Since its inception, Miracle has raised more than $14 million for Children’s Healthcare – $8 million of that total coming in the last seven years.
The final fundraising total represents the entire year’s effort, including milestone events like “Beyond Limits” and “Ring the Bell” day, when the students raised more than $184,000 and $55,000, respectively.
Each year, the first million dollars raised goes to support the Comprehensive Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit (CIRU). All funds raised above $1 million go to the AFLAC cancer and blood disorders unit, supporting child-life specialists and hospital life. The largest gym in the CIRU is named after UGA Miracle, where UGA students typically meet with their “Miracle children” on hospital visits.
This year’s event included the traditional activities, such as the “hair chop challenge,” morale dances, games and activities for the children and their families, and the student-favorite “silent disco,” along with new additions such as a magician who performed at 4:30 in the morning.
Daniella Dicarlo, a fourth-year double major in anthropology and psychology who is also pursuing a master’s degree in nonprofit…
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