Alpha Eta Chapter at the University of Georgia participated in the Miracle Network’s Dance Marathon fundraiser. The university has participated in this philanthropic effort for nearly 30 years, and it consists of multiple events held by students and organizations on campus throughout the year. All funds benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Brother Dru Hunt, Noble Ruler of the chapter, said the chapter has participated in the fundraising for as long as he can remember. He also explained that being a part of this philanthropy event is important to the chapter because some of the current collegiate members have been impacted by the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia, and surrounding areas.
“There are members of our chapter that might not be here today if it wasn’t for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta,” Brother Hunt said.
He said a few brothers from the chapter represent Alpha Gamma Rho on the UGA Miracle Board who help organize fundraising efforts by the university every year. One of these brothers being a recipient of care through the Atlanta, Georgia, health systems.
Brother Hunt said the chapter held one event in collaboration with other Greek organizations on campus to raise funds. The event consisted of live music and food that they sold tickets to raise money. Beyond that, the chapter raised most of their funds by connecting with family and friends, asking them to donate.
During Greek Week, February 9 through February 16, several brothers who chose to participate had individual goals to raise money that contributed to the overall Alpha Eta Chapter fundraising goal, which increased every time they surpassed the original goal. Alpha Eta Chapter placed first in fundraising out of all the IFC and Panhellenic organizations on campus during the Greek Week competition.
Brother Hunt also had a personal hand in raising funds for the chapter’s overall fundraising goal through the President’s Day competition. The President’s Day event, held February 17, is where the Interfraternity Council chapters’ presidents and Panhellenic Sorority chapter presidents compete to raise the most money. In just 24 hours, he raised $2,108.35 for the Miracle Network’s President’s Day fundraiser, earning the chapter the position of third place in the competition.
He said the chapter and himself utilized social media posts as well as contacting people for donations to raise the funds throughout the various events.
The chapter raised another $8,797.65. Between the chapter’s efforts and Brother Hunt’s competition funds, the chapter has raised $10,906, aiding the university in their record-breaking fundraising efforts of $131,510.70.
Brother Hunt said being able to support the Miracle Network and their mission is a priority of the chapter and something they look forward to every year.
“We want to provide that support to others who are having medical emergencies, aid in the struggles they are having and help get them the care they need,” Brother Hunt said.
The Miracle Network events at the University of Georgia will continue throughout the year, including the annual Dance Marathon scheduled for March 29, 2025. Alpha Eta will continue its fundraising, working towards their next goal set at $12,000.
