On Oct. 7, the Auburn University Dream Makers (AUDM) gathered for Child Health Day on the Campus Green. At the event, the lawn was covered with tents featuring catering from Foosackly’s and Small Sliders and volunteers preparing to be pied, as Aubie the Tiger and attendees enjoyed the celebration on campus.
The Campus Green was decorated with tents featuring catering from Foosackly’s and Small Sliders and volunteers preparing to be pied, as Aubie the Tiger energetically made his rounds.
"We're here to raise money for East Alabama Health, and it’s National Child Health Day, so we have our giant baby, and we’re just trying to raise money for the hospital in our backyard,” said Parker Wrobel, a pre-nursing freshman on the AUDM Relations Team.
AUDM is a student-led philanthropic organization that combines service and fundraising for the NICU and Pediatrics department of East Alabama Health. Previously known as Auburn University Dance Marathon, AUDM experienced a major rebrand this year, changing its name to Auburn University Dream Makers, after partnering with East Alabama Health to meet the rising demand for infant and pediatric care across the region. The organization continues to support children and families in medical need through volunteer work, fundraising and family-centered programs.
Cassidy Selman, senior in marketing, reflected on the powerful impact of AUDM.
“The whole goal is just to raise awareness, and to be able to love on families and make sure that they’re cared for. They are going through a hard time in their life,” Selman said. "[We’re] just making sure that we’re able to bring light in their life where it can seem a little dark.”
Child Heathcare Day participants start a pie fight while raising money for East Alabama Health on Tuesday, Oct. 7, in Auburn, Alabama.
Selman went on to share her personal connection to AUDM.
“I was born prematurely, so my family struggled with finances and getting help," Selman said. "But with AUDM, they make that happen for other families. They literally raise money to help fund their families and the hardest battle of their life.”
Still wiping whipped cream from her face after being pied just moments earlier, Kimy Campos, AUDM member and junior in nursing, explained that she joined the organization after seeing how much her close friends gained from participating.
“The whole goal of today is kind of just to raise awareness and to raise money, and it’s so awesome that we have such a tangible effect on literally the hospital in our backyard," Campos said.
Auburn students participate in completive corn hole game on Campus Green on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, in Auburn, Alabama.
Abby Grace Stevens, senior on the sponsorship committee, recounted what led her to get involved.
“I saw all of the influence they had on campus and the work that the AUDM team was doing, and just how much impact they had. It’s really cool how you’re connected to children and helping the dream,” Stevens said.
The AUDM's primary fundraising event hosted is Main Event, held every February. For 12 consecutive hours, volunteers and attendees come together for an exciting, nonstop dance marathon. The event features special guests, catered food, engaging activities and inspiring stories from Miracle Families who have directly benefited from AUDM’s support. All of this finally culminates in the reveal of the total funds raised at the end of the night. This past year, AUDM successfully raised more than $300,000 to support the cause.
In spring 2027, the proceeds from AUDM's Main Event will benefit East Alabama Health Medical Center, and the organization has many upcoming events to build campus-wide anticipation for the fundraiser. On Oct. 15, AUDM will host Color Wars with Aubie on the Haley Concourse to recruit participants for Main Event.
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