Event Coverage

ATHENS, GA — UGA Miracle, the University of Georgia’s largest student-run philanthropic organization, will host its 30th annual Dance Marathon event on Saturday, March 29, in a new location—Stegeman Coliseum. Along with a new venue, Dance Marathon will be shortened from 26 to 13 hours. 

Dance Marathon marks the end of a year-long fundraising initiative benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

In a media availability session, Stella Mele, UGA Miracle’s program director, and Lexi Buzzell, external director, described how the event will include dances, food, guest speakers and other activities to entertain participants.  

The pair also detailed new additions to this year's Dance Marathon in addition to its larger structural changes. There will be a permanent bracelet stand, custom trucker hats and recruiters to speak with from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, according to Mele.

UGA Miracle’s Dance Marathon efforts played a key role in funding the construction of an aquatic therapy pool at the Scottish Rite Hospital at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. At last year’s Dance Marathon, Miracle announced they had raised $1,075,281.24 for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. And, this year attendees will get to hear directly from those impacted by these efforts. 

“We’ll have six family stories, and that just kind of gives a better idea of, like, our cause, and how the hospital has impacted these families positively and helped them on their journey as well,” Mele said. 

Children receiving treatment get to enjoy Dance Marathon as a fun-filled break. 

“A lot of the families always say that it’s like the kid’s Christmas, like it’s their favorite day of the year,” said Buzzell. 

Mary Webb, former cancer patient at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, UGA student and Dance Marathon committee member, highlighted how organizations like UGA Miracle have helped her to achieve her goals. 

“They inspired me to keep going,” she said. 

This past fall, UGA Miracle raised $210,114 with its “Beyond Limits” fundraising campaign. The campaign included events such as the Moody family’s testimony at the UGA Men’s Basketball Game on October 29, where they emphasized the impact Miracle has made on their lives. 

To attend Miracle’s Dance Marathon, there is a $25 registration fee. The event will commence at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 29. Parking will be available on the Carlton Deck, with overflow parking available on the South Deck, Mele confirmed.