Dance Marathon Story

University of Georgia’s largest student-led organizations, UGA Miracle was founded on the idea of making miracles happen. Their website highlights the organization and its commitment to improving the lives of children and families affected by pediatric illness. It states that every dollar raised, event hosted and smile shared contributes to creating a brighter future for children facing medical challenges.. Their biggest event of the year, Dance Marathon, will be held on March 29, 2025 in the Stegeman Coliseum. 

This year's Dance Marathon will be held from 10:30a.m. until 12:00 a.m., featuring a number of games, dances and opportunities to donate all day. UGA Miracle raises money throughout the year in support of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and does a reveal of total earnings at the end of Dance Marathon every year. In their inaugural year, Dance Marathon was able to raise over $20,000 with less than 300 participants. Last year, the total amount earned was over $1 million. As UGA Miracle arrives at 30 years of Dance Marathon, they have the slogan, “30 years of hope”. 

UGA Miracle works with Children’s healthcare of Atlanta in many different ways, apart from Dance Marathon; such as family days, where students are able to sponsor different children and welcome them into the heart of Athens. Mary Webb, a former Miracle child recipient and brain cancer survivor now serves as a committee member of Family Relations. Webb has attended three Dance Marathons as a patient and shares what it is now like working for UGA Miracle in an interview. 

She says, “Knowing there are so many people already involved and bringing forth effort to a cause that is so near and dear to my heart is really cool.” later saying, “Having so many people involved helps me hear all of their stories and what got them there.” 

Webb shared that she will be staying for the entire 12 hours of the event this year saying, “Being able to go and experience the entirety of it is going to be really cool.” 

Dance Marathon brings together thousands of students, faculty and community members in a high-energy celebration of the year-long fundraising efforts. Participants will have different dances memorized and will be performing them throughout the event. Many UGA students are paired with current CHOA patients and are able to play games, dance and interact with children battling illness. The event's finale is a reveal of the total amount raised, showcasing the impact of the UGA community’s dedication.