A University organization broke fundraising records Sunday, raising more than $360,000 for children afflicted with HIV/AIDS.

For the hundreds of members of UGA HEROs who volunteered at the fifth annual HERO Olympics on Sunday, it was a day to remember all of the progress they have made this year. For the nearly 180 children who were bused to Athens from as far as Atlanta, it was a day to forget about the struggles of living with HIV/AIDS and focus on being a kid.

“It lets children have fun, get out and experience things,” said 14-year-old Sancresha at the event, held at Clarke Central High School. “They are so caring and help you with everything.”

“They” are the nearly 2,500 University students involved with HEROs. Despite the economic downturn, the spirit of generosity surpassed the group’s expectations.

This year, they shattered their $322,000 goal by more than $40,000 to produce the most money ever raised in a year by any philanthropy in the history of the University. This distinction has been tossed back and forth between HEROs and ugaMIRACLE as the groups continue to out-fundraise each other.

“I’m ecstatic,” said Morgan Dorsey, executive director of HEROs. “We had some of the most enthusiastic members ever. I think they were just inspired by the kids.”

There was no lack of inspiration and enthusiasm from the children, who for a day were able to make the journey out of Atlanta and to the mini carnival of inflatable slides and obstacle courses set up on Clarke Central’s football field.

For ten-year-old Gary, the highlight of his day at the HERO Olympics was making a stuffed bear.

“This is so special to me because I can give it to my mom for Christmas,” he said.

The children were not the only ones benefitting from the event.

“We spend all year fundraising for this day,” said member Amanda Federline from Washington, D.C. “It’s just so good to bring them here for a whole day. You form great relationships not only with your peers but also the kids.”

One activity that many HEROs did with the kids was to write a wish on a red balloon before letting them go. Amidst notes to family members who had passed on and Christmas messages were wishes to just be healthy.

“It’s really bittersweet,” Dorsey said, reflecting on her final HERO Olympics before graduating from the University. “I poured my heart and soul into it and I am so proud of everyone. It has defined my college experience at Georgia and it’s a great way to go out.”