Since today is National Philanthropy Day, it seems only fitting to explore the philanthropies on Auburn’s campus. Check out our look at just a few of Auburn’s most charitable organizations!

AUDM

AU Dance Marathon is a yearlong fundraising push to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network to support our local children’s hospital in Columbus, GA. AUDM got recognized nationally by becoming the youngest organization in the Southeast to raise $1 million.

This year, AUDM staff members are aiming to raise $658,000 to represent the 658 pediatric surgeries that were conducted at the hospital last year alone. AUDM puts on many different events and fundraising pushes throughout the year that all lead up to a 14-hour, no-sitting Dance Marathon in February to celebrate the funds raised. To get involved, you can register for the event and start fundraising for the kids!

Beat Bama Food Drive

Beat Bama Food Drive’s main mission is to support our community and stop food insecurity by raising money and collecting donations for the Food Bank of East Alabama.

The secondary mission of this event is to defeat The University of Alabama by collecting the most canned goods. Last year Auburn dominated Alabama in total collections. Start collecting canned goods now so that Auburn can have another victory just in time for the Iron Bowl! They'll announce the winner tomorrow, Nov. 16, on their Facebook page.

Best Buddies 

Auburn’s chapter of Best Buddies helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build real relationships and develop leadership skills. Many of the individuals have few opportunities to meet others outside of their family and caregivers, so this program is great for them.

Best Buddies pairs volunteer students with new friends and has several holiday parties throughout the year to provide fun experiences and bonding moments. 

The BIG Event

The BIG Event is a one-day student service project held every spring semester. It is the perfect way for students to give back to the Auburn-Opelika community. Groups of students visit local churches, organizations and households to lend a hand. Be sure to sign up for the next BIG Event this spring!

IMPACT

If you have a busy schedule but still want to volunteer, IMPACT is the perfect organization for you! IMPACT coordinates weekly volunteer opportunities with thirteen community service agencies in Auburn and Opelika.

All you need to do is pick the volunteer event that best fits your schedule and show up to the Intramural Fields. There is no long-term commitment or obligation. Students can volunteer as much as they please. Come out and make your day a little more meaningful!

Students For Storybook

Storybook Farms is a charming, family-run therapeutic riding center in Opelika that provides hope on horseback to children with disabilities, depression or grief from a loss. Volunteers get to interact with the kids and the horses.

Each arts and crafts activity and riding lesson is centered around a storybook tale. Students for Storybook is a campus organization that volunteers and coordinates events to raise money for the farm. To get involved, check out AU Involve.

Are you a member of one of these organizations? Have a great memory of your experiences? Share it with us in the comments below or on social media @AuburnCampusRec.

Be well, Auburn.

Photography: Michelle M.