UADM Raises More Than $340,000 for Children’s Miracle Network

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama Dance Marathon raised $341,000 over the past year for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital at Children’s of Alabama.

The student-led organization announced its fundraising total at the annual Main Event Feb. 17.

The Main Event is the culmination of UADM’s year, and more than 1,000 UA students participated in the 13.1-hour-long dance marathon held at UA’s Ferguson Student Center.

According to Julia Travagline, director of public relations for UADM, the Main Event is a celebration of the year-long fundraising efforts put forth by UADM with the goal of someday eradicating childhood illness and supporting Children’s of Alabama’s mission of giving “the gift of growing up.”

UADM adopted 19 Miracle Families this year, and several attended the Main Event. Families addressed the crowd and children danced alongside UA students throughout the event.

“Our Miracle Makers and staff members come together with our Miracle Kids from Children’s and their families to dance, stand and, most importantly, celebrate,” said Travagline. “The Main Event is a celebration of life that is yet to be lived by the next generation.”

This year’s Main Event included the most successful in-event fundraising push that totaled $29,272.55. Love’s Travel Stops, longtime supporter of UADM, donated $10,000.

Aside from the Main Event, UADM provides emotional support and organizes several events for Miracle Families throughout the year.

Dance Marathon is a nationwide movement that involves college and high school students who raise money for local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. UADM was created in 2011 with the mission of providing support for children being treated at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham.