06-03-2025
AU Dream Makers powerful fundraising platform now supports East Alabama Health
AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) – After 15 years of supporting children's healthcare through a national network, Auburn University Dance Marathon (AUDM) is taking a new direction. The student-led organization announced it will now operate as Auburn University Dream Makers, shifting its fundraising efforts to East Alabama Health, the regional hospital serving the Auburn-Opelika area.
The decision reflects a commitment to serving local families and children, aligning with Auburn University's broader mission as a land-grant institution focused on supporting Alabama communities.
'Our community, our kids,' the group's new mission states, emphasizing a tangible, local impact.
With this transition, Auburn University Dream Makers will focus on expanding pediatric care at East Alabama Health and enhancing Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) equipment. The partnership will also create new opportunities for students to serve families receiving treatment at the hospital.
'We're incredibly excited about this opportunity to enhance healthcare in the Auburn-Opelika community,' the organization said in a statement. 'With your continued support, we can make a lasting impact on local children and families.'
Since its founding, AUDM had raised $4.5 million for Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital through the Children's Miracle Network (CMN), a national network of children's hospitals.
The shift to East Alabama Health allows the organization to directly fund services in its own backyard, rather than supporting a hospital outside the Auburn community.
'This strategic move enables us to have a more direct impact, ensuring local families have access to high-quality pediatric care without having to travel far,' the group explained.
Auburn University Dream Makers will step away from the 'Dance Marathon' identity. While the organization's structure, staff positions, and major events (such as Main Event) remain, it will shed the 'dancing' stereotype to better reflect its core mission of children's healthcare advocacy and fundraising.
Students can expect to see Dream Makers engaging in campus involvement fairs, Greek events, and first-year student programs, introducing their mission under a new, more inclusive identity.
The new partnership will channel fundraising directly into pediatric care expansion and NICU upgrades at East Alabama Health.
During a recent tour, Dream Makers leadership noted while parts of the NICU are well-equipped, other areas need improvements to better serve infants transitioning home. Donations will go toward modernizing equipment and expanding treatment capacity, allowing more families to receive care locally.
Additionally, funds will support East Alabama Health's Center for Mental Health, particularly services for children requiring long-term care and family support.
While Auburn University Dream Makers moves forward with a new mission, it remains committed to the children it supported under AUDM.
'We are incredibly grateful for the $4.5 million raised for Piedmont Columbus Regional and CMN. That impact will continue through the equipment and programs we helped fund,' the organization stated.
For more information on Auburn University Dream Makers and how to get involved, visit their facebook page: AUBURN UNIVERSITY DREAM MAKERS
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