The University of Georgia's Miracle Network prepares for the 30th Dance Marathon on campus.

The University of Georgia’s Miracle Network raised over $1 million at last year's event. With the shorter event this year, they are hoping to not only raise attendance, but to raise more money than the year prior. (Photo/Tracy Coley).

The University of Georgia’s Miracle Network is hosting its first ever “half-marathon” form of Dance Marathon at Stegeman Coliseum, the same location that the first Dance Marathon was hosted at 30 years ago. 

UGA Miracle Network was brought to campus in 1995 and raised over $20,000 during their first year on campus. Now, 30 years later, UGA Miracle Network has raised millions of dollars to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and its rehabilitation services. Last year, over $1 million was raised, and the goal is even higher for this year. Lexi Buzzell, external director of UGA Miracle Network, said that “the money goes to the hospital itself,” with 90% of it going to the rehabilitation services and 10% goes to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Center.

After doing research on the last 30 years of hosting Dance Marathon on campus, the UGA Miracle Network team found that very few donations were made in the wee hours of the night. Buzzell spoke on how the change from a “full marathon” to a “half-marathon” was completely data driven and the funds were a main drive of that. In addition because of the change to a “half-marathon,” Dance Marathon is able to be held at Stegeman Coliseum instead of Tate Grand Hall like the years prior. 

At Dance Marathon, UGA students, Athens residents, and the families of children that the donations benefit will be participating in different roles and activities. 

“We’re showcasing six different families that get to go up on main stage and share their story,” said Stella Mele, program director for UGA Miracle Network. 

These families will be front and center for the attendees of Dance Marathon to hear their stories and be able to shower them with love and support. 

Dance Marathon is for more than just those that are involved in Greek Life and in UGA Miracle Network. While UGA Miracle is the campus-wide philanthropy for greek life, it is not only for those involved in greek life on campus. Anyone can buy a ticket to come to the event, student or not. Anyone can also donate to UGA Miracle Network, even if they are not a student. 

With the event lasting several hours and going through several different meal times, UGA Miracle Network has sponsorships from different companies all across the Athens area, providing anything from food to donations. Will Haver, owner of Taco Mama, spoke on what they do to prepare for events like Dance Marathon when it comes to providing a sponsorship.

“Our mission is to usually contribute as much food as we can through sponsorships,” Haver said. 

There are dozens of other sponsors and organizations that are expected to be at the event. The event will be hosted at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Georgia on March 29, 2025. It will begin at 10:30 a.m. and it will end at midnight. Parking will be available at the Carlton Street deck and overflow parking will be at the South Campus deck.

Why I Wrote The Story

Through writing this story, I learned how to be flexible through all situations. After doing my research on the events, I had certain quotes in mind that would be wonderful for a story, but I cannot always necessarily plan the quotes that I am going to get from an interview. I learned to be able to be flexible as I go because better quotes may come along. From this interview and as someone seeing to working in public relations, I learned from this coverage to be ready for everything and not to listen for just the quotes that I am looking for, but to listen fully the entire time.

Social Media Pre-Event Coverage

• 

• 

Social Media Event Coverage

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•