Last month, Miracle at Kennesaw State received a donation from Georgia’s Own Credit Union of $8,500 for its charitable work on behalf of sick and injured children.
The $8,500 donation will go towards Miracle at KSU’s annual fundraiser, which goes to childhood cancer research, Executive Director of Miracle at KSU Baylee Mitchell said.
“Honestly, I thought we had lost because of how we compared to the other finalists,” Mitchell said. “So when [the credit union] contacted us to tell us we won, I was ecstatic.”
Miracle at KSU won the award out of a total of five finalists, Mitchell said.
To celebrate its 85th anniversary, Georgia’s Own Credit Union participated in “85 Acts of Kindness” around the state of Georgia, according to Patch.com. Georgia’s Own’s final act was a pledge to donate $8,500 to a local nonprofit organization.
Mitchell said that Miracle at KSU’s annual fundraiser has amassed about $340,000 so far, and that money will be donated to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. On Monday, Jan. 13, Georgia’s Own Credit Union will come to Miracle at KSU’s board meeting to present the check.
“[The award] was like a blessing in disguise,” Mitchell said. “I’m so grateful for [the credit union’s] support.”
Emma Cikovic is Miracle at KSU’s fundraising chair and is in charge of the fundraisers and charity events held throughout the year. Cikovic discovered “85 Acts of Kindness” through social media and encouraged the executive board to join the contest, Mitchell said.
“We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity and the support from members of our community,” Cikovic said in an interview with Patch.com. “Our fundraising this year is going directly to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, so we are thrilled to add such a sizable gift to the ongoing efforts of our students.”
Miracle at KSU is the largest student-operated nonprofit organization on campus, according to Miracle at KSU’s website.
The organization works to raise awareness and money for sick children around the state of Georgia, Mitchell said. Miracle at KSU frequently collaborates with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to hold fundraisers and events for the patients and their families.
“Because Miracle at KSU is a student-operated organization, KSU students are encouraged to donate, volunteer or join the staff to participate in fundraisers and charity events,” Mitchell said.
One of Miracle’s largest fundraising events is the Dance Marathon on Saturday, March 14, according to the website. During this event, KSU students are encouraged to participate to raise money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
