Clapping hands, screaming girls and viral “rush toks” may seem to define sorority life, but reality is different for University of Georgia Phi Mu President Sarah Horner. Horner honors Phi Mu’s motto, “for the kids,” and actively works to create a difference in the lives of families battling pediatric illness.
Horner plays a key role in leading her chapter’s support of its official philanthropy, UGA Miracle. Miracle is a student-run organization that raised $1.2 million for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta last year.
Miracle’s largest event, UGA Miracle Dance Marathon, will take place on March 28 at 11 a.m. in Stegeman Coliseum. The event brings students and families together to push fundraising efforts and honor families supported by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. About 23% of last year’s total funds were raised at Dance Marathon, according to finance director Virginia Miller.
Miller said more than 2,079 participants are registered for this year’s dance marathon, as of March 24.
Miracle is the official philanthropy of UGA Greek Life and coordinates several fundraising pushes throughout the year, including Presidents Day. This event is a 24-hour challenge among presidents of Greek life and other organizations. This year, the presidents raised a combined historic total of nearly $154,000.
“It’s easy for us to say that we’re the official philanthropy of Greek life, but that doesn’t mean anything if we can’t have Greek life bought in and interested in our organization,” said Grace Tortorella, executive director of Miracle. “Each organization has its own philanthropy, so for presidents to be able to come out and support an organization that might not be what their own organization directly supports is so monumental.”
Horner fundraises for Miracle throughout the entire year, yet raised nearly $7,000 on Presidents Day alone.
“Greek life plays a huge role,” Horner said.
It shows that Greek life is more than just a group of kids, that we’re actually here to make a difference and help others.”
Setting up new members with donor drives is one of the first actions Phi Mu takes to get its members fundraising early. Phi Mu is the largest Miracle fundraiser and raised $273,000 last year.
“At Dance Marathon, the most rewarding part, besides seeing the number being revealed, is talking to the families and just seeing how grateful they are,” Horner said.
Families are invited to share their stories at dance marathon, allowing participants to celebrate milestones and feel the direct impact of the cause they are working toward.
Phi Mu also invites families supported by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to speak to its chapter every month leading up to the event. Horner said this reminds members they are actively making an impact and difference in the lives of others.
“I’ve never met a family that hasn’t run up and given me a hug,” Horner said. “It really does prove how much of a difference we’re making by seeing the families and how thankful they are.”
Charley Lacey is a junior majoring in journalism at the University of Georgia.
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