UGA Miracle Dance Marathon
Beginning 10 a.m. Feb. 20 through 10 a.m. Feb. 21 at the Tate Student Center on the University of Georgia campus in Athens.
The fundraiser benefits patients of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Activities include live entertainment and performances, a talent show featuring patients, family stories, and, of course, dancing.
For more on the event or to make a donation to UGA Miracle, go to www.ugamiracle.org.
Izabella Zucker believes in miracles, especially in UGA Miracle, the largest student-run philanthropy at the University of Georgia. Zucker, a Johns Creek native and UGA senior, directs the group with a goal of raising $1 million this academic year for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. But it’s the UGA students who are the real beneficiaries, Zucker says. Students become friends with the young patiens who enrich their lives.
Q: What is UGA Miracle?
A: We are part of a movement of more than 450 colleges and high schools across the country to support Children Miracle Network Hospitals. Our program began in 1995 and supports Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. We fundraise, specifically for the rehab unit at Scottish Rite. Our students also provide emotional support and friendship to patients and families. Students go every single Sunday to Scottish Rite and hang out with patients to help take their mind off whatever they are going through.
Q: How many students are involved and how do you raise money?
A: We have about 1,400 students. The bulk of our revenue comes from our individual students. When you join, you get an online fundraising page. We receive overwhelming support from friends, family and neighbors. We also put on a series of events that bring in a good bit of money throughout the year. Our highest grossing event is Dance Marathon.
Q: What’s that?
A: Our capstone event that takes place for 24 hours Feb. 20 and Feb. 21 and is open to everyone. It is a time when we can be with our Miracle kids and their families who share their stories on stage. You don't dance for all 24 hours but there is a 10-minute dance that everyone performs at the end that is pretty cool to see. This year, we are starting a makeshift jail. You make a donation to put someone in jail and then that person has to fundraise to get out.
Q: Anyone you want to jail?
A: I have a few people in mind. I also better start saving up because I have a feeling I'm going to get thrown in there a couple of times.
Q: Why do you think students get involved?
A: We really strive to provide a tight knit community. People can have totally different interests and backgronds and majors but they have this one common value — giving. You also can tangibly see the impact of your time and money. When we go to the hospital, we can see the medical transportation vans that our money has bought. We know the patients we have supported. The families we connect with talk about the effect that our friendship and time has on their child. That is a really gratifying experience.
Q: You must have become close to families who lose children. How was that?
A: In my four years, we have lost four Miracle children. While dealing with loss is pretty infrequent, it makes you cherish the time you spend with these children and their families. The fact that they bring us into their families, no matter for how long or short, is a gift in itself.
Q: How has your experience with UGA Miracle changed you?
A: I know I want to dedicate myself to something that stirs up the same kind of passion that UGA Miracle does. I think everyone involved in UGA Miracle would say that it has shown us that any limits we may have placed on ourselves are really nonexistent. When you really believe in something, whether it is a goal or a hospital or a person or another family, you can pull off amazing feats. And this may sound cheesy but I believe that miracles are possible.
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