UGA Miracle’s Dance Marathon, now 13.1-hours, marks 30 years with a focus on mental health, inclusion and smarter fundraising. The event has raised $131,000 during Greek Week and Presidents Day

UGA Miracle’s annual Dance Marathon will be returning on March 29 at Stegeman Coliseum from 10:30 a.m. to midnight. It is a major milestone as the organization celebrates 30 years of supporting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The event, once a 26-hour marathon, has now been reformatted into a 13.1 hour half marathon. 

“Something we just kept in mind this year is just making sure every student is having the best experience and making it cater to them, instead of us just having our event, hoping they come to us,”  said Lexi Buzzell, the external director for UGA Miracle.

Buzzell, also shared that University of Georgia President Jere Morehead is expected to attend, along with other guest speakers and families who have benefitted from fundraising. Dance Marathon will also feature a variety of activities, including family talent shows, morale dances and a special tribute to the program’s 30 year celebration. 

Food will be provided during the event from different sponsors, one being a local restaurant Taco Mama. They will be serving a taco bar for everyone, it will include different types of meat and toppings so everyone can enjoy. 

“So our mission with that is just if we can support a great cause and get our food in people's mouths, we consider that a win-win,” said Will Haver, owner of Taco Mama.

Since its founding, UGA Miracle has grown into the university’s largest student-run philanthropic organization, bringing students together from different backgrounds. Each year, thousands of students participate in fundraising events leading up to Dance Marathon. According to UGA Today, they raised $1,075,281.24, and are hoping to raise more this year to support Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Mary Webb, a first year student at UGA, was a Miracle Child and this will be her fourth Dance Marathon.

“I just go around and I share my story with other to, to share my story and to also help others realize how underfunded childhood cancer research really is because I think that’s so important,” said Webb

A new fundraising event this year is Miracle Madness, serving as a registration week for Dance Marathon. It will take place on the West Lawn of Tate, and will have different themes and activities each day. One of the themes is basketball day where they will have a mini-hoop game to play if you register for Dance Marathon. This event is designed to raise awareness while also encouraging students to register and get involved in UGA Miracle.