Be The Spark with UADM

Our first month of school finally comes to a close and we are taking a moment to reflect on last year’s success and the momentum it has given us. Last year The University of Alabama Dance Marathon (UADM) dared to say $100k! We kicked off last year with a goal of raising $100k throughout the school year leading up to the final hour of our Main Event in March 2014. After raising $83, 061.09 the previous year, we were all nervous about this big 6 figure goal, but also excited for the challenge. During the final moments of the Main Event, we revealed the total we had worked so hard for. Everyone anxiously watched as the number was revealed on stage. A roar of cheers and a couple tears were shed when we saw $128, 702.06 appear on the stage. We not only met our goal of $100k, but beat it! We are very proud we beat our goal, but even more proud of the impact $128, 702.06 will do at Children’s of Alabama.

Later in the spring we joined The Center for Service and Leadership. We are so excited to be a part of this department and thankful for all the support we have received! It has been amazing to collaborate with other organizations, and even help with other service projects on campus.

This August, UADM kicked off the year with a bang! We participated at the Week of Welcome kick-off and Get On Board Day. We had a blast meeting more students on campus and speaking to them about our organization, our local Miracle Network Hospital, Children’s of Alabama, and how we are so passionate about serving others. During the third week of school we revealed our rebrand. UADM has always been a part of the Miracle Network Dance Marathon movement; however, this year UADM is uniting with Miracle Network Dance Marathons across the nation by incorporating the flame – the flame of hope, passion and determination. Our campaign, #BeTheSpark, invites all individuals across campus and the Tuscaloosa community to get involved and make a difference. We are thrilled to have officially rebranded and love our new look!

The weekend of Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30 was filled with fun and work: We had over 15 members volunteer on Friday and Saturday for Radiothon at Children’s of Alabama. They were able to help answer phone calls as well as speak on two different radio stations about our organization! On Friday, some members were able to play Just Dance at Children’s of Alabama with the patients. Not only did we have a great time dancing with the patients, but we loved seeing the smiles on their faces. Starting at 10 AM on Saturday, the UADM marketing team put on the first ever UADM Miracle Kid Photo Shoot at Children’s of Alabama. The day was filled with video/photography, cupcakes and laughter! It was an amazing opportunity to not only get updated footage of our amazing Miracle Kids and hospital, but to spend time with our Miracle Families and bond. On Sunday, August 30, our executive members met in Atlanta at Children’s Hospital of Atlanta Foundation to meet with our regional manager and other Dance Marathons in our region. It was a time for collaboration and inspiration. Finally, last week we had our first spirit night at Super Skate, which we called Sk80’s!  There was music, card making for Children’s of Alabama patients, and plenty of leg warmers. We had over 150 come out to skate, raiseing over $450!

We are currently in the process of bringing on new members to our family. Every week we find a new opportunity to learn, work and grow. 2015 has been such an amazing year so far and has given us so much momentum. A big thank you to The Center for Service and Leadership! We could not be more excited to be a part of your family!

You can also see this blog post as well as other organizations blogs on the CSL blog! Check it out here!