our history

Since our inaugural year on campus in 1995, UGA® Miracle has been shaping the Athens and surrounding communities through its tireless and passionate pursuit to serve Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. While our numbers and reach have grown, we remain true to who we are – a family that provides a loving and empowering community to every member. We empower the dreamers and equip the doers to make the most of their college experience by positively impacting the life of a child.

In the Spring of 1995, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals approached the University of Georgia’s Greek Life Office to establish a Dance Marathon program at the school. In it's inaugural year, Dance Marathon at UGA® raised more than $20,000 with less than 300 members. 

In 2002, the organization won its first Student Organization Achievement and Recognition Award for Outstanding Campus Event for its outstanding Dance Marathon. In 2006, Dance Marathon at UGA® broke $250,000 and received its first Organization of the Year Award. 

By 2008, the organization had outgrown its name and began the search for a more all-encompassing title. Thus, UGA® Miracle was born. Our re-branding sought to expand the organization’s horizons – and other’s perceptions – beyond just Dance Marathon. In 2012 the Alumni Connection was established, extending involvement in our organization beyond graduation.

2017, UGA® Miracle raised $1,352,705.17, and we officially became the single largest scholastic donor to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. We look forward to the continued growth and development of this organization. While we continue to move our own boundaries, we will hold firm to the mission and values of our family. Our commitment to Children's, our Miracle families and each other stands unfaltering.