GC Miracle: So Kids Can

by Kylie Rowe, University Communications Practicum Student

GC Miracle, the largest student organization on the Georgia College campus, held their annual ThunderThon event April 7, 2024. Approximately 300 people attended the event, and GC Miracle raised $70,550 for the Beverly Knight Olson Children's Hospital in Macon.

ThunderThon is a 12-hour event where students and the community pledge to spend a Saturday standing on their feet for the kids who cannot. FTK - for the kids - is a rallying slogan for the organization.

"It's about reinforcing that it is a privilege to be able to do what we are doing," said Sarah Brown, a senior middle grades education major and the current Executive Director of GC Miracle.

This year, "space" was the theme of the event so that GC Miracle could encourage people to "shoot for the stars" when it came to helping the kids. This theme is a nod to 2020, the last pre-COVID ThunderThon where the organization raised a record amount of money and crossed $100,000.

Activity tables for ThunderThon participants.

"My favorite part about ThunderThon is getting to see all that all our hard work makes such a huge difference," said Brenna McGloin, a senior management major.

ThunderThon is GC Miracle's largest event. They hold a choreographed dance lesson, booths to buy shirts, a letter-writing station, a photo booth, scavenger hunts and more.

"I love being a part of Miracle, and I want everyone to know how amazing it is," said McGloin.

GC Miracle is constantly promoting other events and smaller fundraisers to raise money for the children's hospital and encourage student involvement. They have events throughout the year like Miracle Man and Miracle Mile, all of which are united by the goal of raising money for the kids.

The slogan for this year was "So Kids Can," which stems from the hope that the money GC Miracle raises can help kids see more birthdays.

2024 ThunderThon participants.

"My favorite part about GC Miracle is seeing the passion that so many have for helping children live a better life," said Zoie Glenn, a senior management and economics major.

"I have a really big tie to this cause because one of my brothers has cancer, and so coming to this college became like my little cancer community," said Brown.

Brown encourages everyone to get involved in GC Miracle. Anyone can be a general attendee, a committee member or a board member. All play an important role in helping children get the healthcare they need.

GC Miracle is an organization that teaches students not only how to work together, plan events, and raise money, but is also known to give students a new outlook on life. In GC Miracle, students truly have the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than themselves and to see the work they do make real differences in the lives of so many families and children that live in our community.

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