The University of Georgia will host its 30th annual Dance Marathon on March 29 at Stegeman Coliseum, they will continue bringing support and awareness for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta through the Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.

The Dance Marathon, is bringing everyone together for their annual fundraising event with dancing and entertainment. The event is hosting students, patients, family members and sponsor groups. An event for all supporters to come together and celebrate their year-long fundraising efforts. 

With over 2,000 students representing more than 30 campus organizations, UGA Miracle raised over $1 million in 2024. Games involving incentives were played during the event, allowing for more money raised.

Mary Webb, a former brain cancer patient at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, has now become a current Dance Marathon committee member. Webb spoke at media availability, saying this event has a special place in her heart, as it will be her fourth time attending the event and her first as a committee member.

“I feel like that’s my purpose here, to help others,” Webb said. “And I feel like the way that I can do that best is to just share my story with others and hopefully inspire other people to join the mission of helping other kids that are going through difficult things.” 

This year’s event will be shortened from the normal amount of time, but features the same amount of fun for those attending. While primarily featuring dances, it will also hold a talent show, family story times, interactive games and a high school hour. The high school hour features participating schools revealing their amounts raised in hopes of being the top fundraiser. 

A key highlight of this year’s event is the 30th year anniversary of the Dance Marathon at UGA. Stella Mele, the UGA Miracle program director, says the committee plans on celebrating this by featuring an alumni hour, special merchandise and a wall where supporters can display their reasoning for helping the cause. 

Taco Mama is a sponsor of the event and will be providing a tacos and nachos bar for attendees. Will Haver, owner of Taco Mama, has a history of local sponsorships, such as Make-A-Wish Alabama, Pretty In Pink Foundation and the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. 

“It’s an organization that, you know, we feel is near and dear to our hearts,” Haver said. “So the miracle team at UGA was just a natural fit for us.” 

The event will take place at Stegeman Coliseum, officially starting at 10:30 a.m. and will end at midnight. These are new changes implemented by the staff from their typical locations and their usual 24-hour long run time. More information including registration and donations can be found on the UGA Miracle Dance Marathon page.