2026 UNO Dance Marathon Smashes Previous Fundraising Record, Raising $85K

➡️ What’s new: Hours of non-stop fun, dancing and games at this year’s OMAthon resulted in UNO Dance Marathon (UNODM) outraising their previous record-setting fundraising goal by $15,000 for a total $85,000.

📸 Photos: View a photo gallery on Exposure.

💡 Why it matters: UNODM and OMAthon raises funds for the Children’s Miracle Network, which support kids and families across the nation who are battling chronic illnesses, including at Children’s Nebraska in Omaha.

• The Children’s Miracle Network has raised over $5 billion dollars since 1983
• UNO began its Dance Marathon chapter in 2015, raising $36,000 the first year
• In 2025, UNO Dance Marathon raised $70,000
• Since 2015, the Maverick community has raised more than $500,000

🔎 Zoom in: UNODM was established by the Office of Student Involvement in 2015, hosting events, initiatives, and campaigns throughout the year to raise funds for Miracle Kids. The year wraps up with non-stop dancing and games with organizers, students, Miracle Kids and their families at the hours-long OMAthon fundraiser in the Milo Bail Student Center.

🎤 What they’re saying:

• Bill Pickett, Director of the Office of Spirit, Tradition, and Signature Events: “Dance Marathon provides skills our students will use in their career; fundraising, marketing, event planning, team building, and so many others that truly make this out-of-classroom leadership position so valuable. Most importantly, however, they learn empathy while working with Miracle Kids and their families.”
• McKenna Hornacek, Student President of UNO Dance Marathon: “Our UNO Dance Marathon team is so proud to play a part in supporting Miracle Kids and their families at Children’s Nebraska and beyond! We are thrilled to have far surpassed our fundraising goal this year and are hopeful these funds will make a lasting impact. We are walking away from this year’s event with gratitude for our generous community and memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t wait for next year’s event!”

🌎 The big picture: Along with raising vital funds to support Miracle Kids, UNO Dance Marathon exemplifies UNO’s commitment to building partnerships, strengthening communities, and improving the quality of life locally, nationally and globally.

⚡ What’s next: You can learn more or get involved with UNO Dance Marathon and OMAthon by visiting the UNODM website.