The UA student-run Wildcat Miracle Network is hosting its third annual kids fair on April 4 to raise money for sick children at Tucson Medical Center for Children. 

The event will include soccer and spikeball games, a DJ, dancing, and other events from 2 to 6 p.m.

The University of Arizona Wildcat Miracle works with the Children’s Miracle Network through Tucson Medical Center for Children. Children’s Miracle Network raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals across the country including TMC, which has been affiliated with the network since 1998. 

The fair, for TMC’s young patients, their families, students and community members, offers a day for these kids to get to be kids again, said Emily Winograd, president of Wildcat Miracle. 

“There will also be tables for people to give miracle gifts like making bracelets for the kids,” said Lexi Charlip, event operations manager.

To raise money during the event, Wildcat Miracle will raffle off a basketball signed by the University of Arizona men’s team, gift cards, UA merchandise and Sol de Seco clothing. 

The members of Wildcat Miracle have been raising money through small events including selling pizza to students and reaching out to friends and family for donations. They also launched Wildcat Miracle shirts with proceeds benefiting the effort. 

Over 100 tickets have been sold so far and almost $8,000 has been raised. Wildcat Miracle’s goal is to reach $15,000 by the end of the event. 

“Every single dollar we get is life-saving,” said Hayley McCracken, development specialist at TMC and the Children’s Miracle Network. 

TMC is the leading hospital for pediatric care in Southern Arizona. In 2024, TMC for Children saw 52,672 total pediatric patients. 

Most of the money raised will go to advancing services and technology at the hospital. With the money, TMC hopes to purchase a $300,000 isolette, an enclosed crib that is used in the NICU to provide controlled environments and temperatures for premature newborns and babies in critical condition. 

“Every single patient will use technology that was funded through (Children’s Miracle Network) dollars,” said McCracken. 

The fair will be held on the University of Arizona campus at Arizona South Recreation Center, 1400 E. Sixth St. Admission is $10 and proceeds benefit TMC. Details at events.dancemarathon.com. 

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.