UWG News Archive

The Marathon

February 27, 2004

CARROLLTON, GA - Where can you be entertained by an Elvis impersonator, play duck-duck-goose and hear the words of a miracle child, all in one day? At University of West Georgia’s Marathon, of course!

The UWG Marathon is an annual event held to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network and the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

The Marathon will be held on March 13, from 10 a.m to 10 p.m. in the UWG H.P.E. building. The day of the Marathon is a celebration of all the hard work and dedication that the University, community and students contributed for the cause. The 12-hour Marathon day consists of playing games, eating food and hearing testimonies from the children of the Children’s Miracle Network.

“It’s an amazing thing when you can spend one day of your time giving to someone else,” said Asheley Franklin, president of the Marathon. “Knowing that what you do makes a difference in the life of a child makes your efforts worthwhile.”

Franklin, like many who participate, have a deep connection to the Marathon’s cause.

“My brother had open heart surgery at five days old, and wasn’t expected to live,” explained Franklin. “Our family went through some tough times with his health problems. When he was finally given a clear bill of health at age 15, I was determined that I would dedicate myself to helping children who go through what he did, and the Marathon is my way of doing that.”

Franklin noted that for the past year, the executive council for the Marathon has worked hard to make sure that the event goes off without a hitch.

Events are planned throughout the year to raise money for the Marathon. Toll roads are conducted at various locations around Carrollton, and Chick-fil-A sponsors a Marathon spirit night, giving a percentage of their earnings to the Marathon’s cause.

“The newest addition to fundraisers is the Bremen Jail and Bail held at Bremen High School,” explained Franklin. “Students were encouraged to donate money to keep their teachers in jail, instead of donating to bail them out.”

The largest fundraiser that the Marathon conducts is a silent auction, which raised almost $3,000 this year.

Over 120 students participate in the Marathon each year, and all are required to raise at least $125 dollars prior to the event day. Community volunteers contribute to the Marathon by becoming a sponsor, or by donating money the day of the event.

“The first year of Marathon, we were able to raise $11,000,” said Franklin. “Last year we raised over $24, 000, and hope to do even better this year.”

For more information, contact Student Activities at 770-836-6526.

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