UADM 2016

            Three weeks have passed since UADM’s 5th annual main event. As we look back on this year of miracle making, we can’t help but think about all the amazing changes and challenges that we faced.   
            We started this year by reestablishing our logo. Children’s notorious hot air balloon transformed to the inextinguishable flame. UADM united with Miracle Network Dance Marathons and began our “#BeTheSpark” campaign. We centered the rebrand around this hashtag that invited the Tuscaloosa community to get involved and make a difference. The rebrand was just the start of UADM’s transformation and expansion.
            This year we were more than excited to start our relationship with The Center for Service and Leadership. Joining their department meant the world to us, and we could not have had such an astounding year without their love and support.
            UADM also had the wonderful opportunity of welcoming Delegates to the family. We saw the want in first year students to get involved with this movement right away. Delegates help out by doing the much-needed job of spreading the word and educating students about our event.
            In September, UADM went “Gold” to support Childhood Cancer Awareness. We encouraged staff members to go gold and raise $50 FTK. More than 50 staff members brought home the gold! This initial fundraising event really set the tone for the rest of the year. Staff member after staff member saw their impact and used this momentum to keep that flame lit.
            October welcomed one of the most daunting tasks for UADM 2016     $100 Day. That’s right, everyone on staff was challenged to raise $100 in just one day. Students did not just raise the fundraising goal; they doubled and tripled it. Competitive nature set in, and everyone had to get a little creative. They went full out DM décor. If you don’t know what that means exactly, it’s tutus and glitter and face paint and basically anything considered bright and shiny. Some went canning, some got pied, and some used puppies to raise the most, FTK. The acceptance and support UADM was shown throughout campus was greater than any amount. That being said, in one day, we raised $20,408.91 for Children’s of Alabama.
            The miracles continued and buttons were in high demand. November came and it was time for the second “BeatLSU” week. We partnered with LSU for a week filled with non-stop fundraising madness. After all, the loser had to preform the other’s fight song. LSU, wanting to make up for last year’s loss, pulled out the win by raising $46,039.42! Together we raised $66,041.93, and we would gladly sing their fight song in celebration of that amount.
            On February 27, 2016, we expanded the Main Event to the Bryant Conference Center and stood for 12 hours straight. Continuing with previous traditions, we brought back a DJ and the “jail.”  Each of the 12 hours was split up by various themes such as, tropical, throwback and American hour. The six color teams competed all day by participating in the events and raising money, making sure they obtained that winning title. Some highlights of the day were performances by Riptide, No Strings Attached and the infamous rave at the end of the night. None of this would be worthwhile without the Miracle Families and their stories. And after those strenuous 12 hours of absolute anticipation, the executive members took the stage to uncover the grand total. Number after number all of our hard work was revealed. We did it; we raised $211,342.16 FTK! None of this could be possible without everyone who came and supported us this year. Thank you for helping make miracles happen. See you again next year, as for now, FTK and Roll Miracles Roll.