There will be new meaning to the phrase “thanks a million” when UGA HEROs gives the money it has raised this semester to the HERO For Children organization in Atlanta. In less than six years, HEROs has joined an exclusive class of campus organizations to raise more than $1 million.

“We’ve always led with just one statement that holds true, and it’s kind of our motto – if it’s not ‘wow,’ it’s not worth doing,” said University alumnus and HEROs co-founder Garrett Gravesen.

Gravesen said he could not be more proud of the organization’s success. HEROs, the largest college philanthropy in the Southeast with more than 2,500 members, started with a couple of young guys with big ideas to help people.

“It just happened so fast, and it happened at UGA,” Gravesen said.

The money the group raises contributes to events to improve the quality of life for around 2,000 Georgia children affected by HIV and AIDS. Earlier this month, University members of the organization took 200 children to Zoo Atlanta. Other activities include the Rising HEROs program of life skills classes and the annual HERO Olympics.

“It has been the long-term dedication that has gotten the UGA HEROs to where they are,” said Meg Madan, program associate for HERO For Children – the headquarters of the HEROs groups for both the University and Georgia Tech.

“In general, this organization has progressed so fast thanks to the UGA HEROs.”

This semester, members rallied the community to reach their million dollar goal.

In addition to the annual golf tournament at the Georgia Club and canvassing local Krogers and Wal-Marts for donations, HEROs found new ways to raise money despite the struggling economy.

“Mostly in a response to the economy, we started a ‘Power of Five’ e-mail campaign that showed people the power that even $5 can have,” said Joanna Harbin, executive director of HEROs. More than $10,000 was raised through the e-mail campaign alone.

“The fact we were able to raise over $90,000 in one semester really shows how hard our committee members worked, and the children really do need our program more than ever,” she said. “I’m absolutely ecstatic.”

The group also worked with the Twilight Criterium, running a sports-themed area for children. By asking for donations and selling water bottles, the members were able to “get the word out to the community and people that otherwise we may not have been able to reach,” Harbin said.

The group finished the semester with a five-and-a-half year fundraising total of $1,013,472.77.

“Personally, it’s unbelievable,” said Kate Larson, promotions and marketing chair of UGA HEROs. “It’s an absolute joy and honor to be a part of an organization that has hit so many milestones and reached so many goals in such a short time.”