On Saturday, Feb. 22, Auburn University Dance Marathon hosted its 14th annual main event and raised over $300,000. From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., volunteers and attendees united to support the organization’s philanthropic efforts, participating in 12 hours of non-stop excitement packed with special guest appearances, games and dances.
AUDM is a student-led philanthropy, as students collectively support and fundraise for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Like last year, AUDM dedicated 100% of its collected funds to Piedmont Columbus Regional, the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in Columbus, Georgia.
This year, AUDM achieved a remarkable $300,910.25, totaling the funds AUDM has raised for the Columbus Children's Miracle Network Hospital in 2024 and 2025 to over $650,000. In the past 14 years since its creation, AUDM has raised over four million dollars for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, supporting children and families while connecting the Auburn community.
In the months leading up to the event, AUDM members campaign on and off campus. Each member’s philanthropic dedication can be seen through visits to university organizations and tabling on Haley Concourse to raise awareness.
After paying a $15 entrance fee, students could enjoy 12-hour access to main event and its lively schedule.
AUDM staff commenced the 14th annual event, explaining the schedule and why attendees dance for 12 hours.
“We dance for those who can’t,” said Gabby Campos, emcee for the event when referencing the first Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon’s mission statement. “It is this solidarity to and connection with this cause that makes Dance Marathon an event unlike any other.”
AUDM welcomed participants with an exciting ten minute line dance created and performed by the morale team, the AUDM crew that leads the participants in dances, games and energy. The team’s excitement was infectious, and the audience was captivated by the dance accompanied by a mix of popular songs and audio clips.
Attendees were organized into teams identified by different colors. Donned in jerseys, wigs and costumes in their team’s color, the AUDM morale team members guided others through the dance, creating friendly competition. By the end of the night, all teams mastered the line dance they had first seen only 12 hours earlier.
In addition to the signature line dance, AUDM hosted other fun activities like a silent auction and disco. There were also special appearances by Miss Auburn University, Piedmont CEO Scott Hill and Auburn’s hip-hop dance team Tiger Rhythm.
Attending Miracle families, whose children are treated at the Children's Miracle Network Hospital at Piedmont, enjoyed the fun environment and shared their experiences. Their heartfelt stories reminded staff and students of the importance of AUDM’s philanthropic efforts. Children could also enjoy the “kids’ cave,” modeled after an award show and stocked with board games, craft supplies and snacks.
After the final line dance, AUDM executive staff awarded the orange team as the top color fundraising team and Panhellenic sorority Phi Mu as the top fundraising and recruitment team.
Towards the end, AUDM acted out its true mission through the circle of hope. Staff and participants interlocked hands and surrounded the attending Miracle families and children in hope.
“The circle has no starting point, and like our hope for the children of tomorrow, it has no end,” said Tatum Mitchell, AUDM president. “[...] Our hope is a driving force, and it must be never-ending.”
As the day concluded, the true mission of AUDM was once again spotlighted.
“We strive to give kids the freedom to just be kids and to celebrate their lives,” Mitchell said. “A day where children are not labeled as sick but are celebrated as rock stars. A day full of laughter, many tears, dancing – lots of it – and singing.”
After 12 hours of non-stop fun and dancing, students took their final bow until next year when AUDM will continue its mission and host the main event again. The night concluded as staff and participants danced for those who could not and united in their mission to make a meaningful impact on countless children and families who are part of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
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