COLCHESTER, Vt. - The Saint Michael's College Department of Athletics and Department of Institutional Advancement are proud to announce the eighth annual Purple Knight Challenge, a fundraising competition benefiting each of the 21 varsity Purple Knight athletic teams, begins on Monday and runs through next Sunday, Sept. 22.
 
However, it's not too early to make a contribution toward your favorite program by visiting smcvt.edu/pkc24. Start spreading the word now to give your team a jump start. All gifts made early will count toward the totals!
 
Once the Challenge begins, visit smcvt.edu/pkc24 to contribute and track the live, up-to-date leaderboard. During the first seven years of the Challenge, more than 10,500 gifts were made toward a total of greater than $1.1 million. Last year alone, the 21 Purple Knight varsity athletic programs were supported with almost 1,700 gifts for nearly $250,000.
 
Alumni, friends, family and fans are encouraged to make gifts of any size to their favorite programs during the Challenge. Contributions of every amount help, with gifts directly impacting Saint Michael's student-athletes while helping offset costs of such essentials as recruitment, travel, uniforms and equipment; strength training and conditioning for student-athletes; mental health and social justice initiatives led by student-athletes; and student leadership opportunities.
 
Men's lacrosse received the most gifts last year, while men's basketball, women's basketball, men's ice hockey, Alpine skiing and Nordic skiing rounded out a tight competition for the top. In terms of top dollar figures, men's lacrosse led the way with $34,510, while men's ice hockey ($34,437), men's basketball ($28,400), women's ice hockey ($15,120), baseball ($14,582), Alpine skiing ($14,089), women's basketball ($13,483), Nordic skiing ($13,213), swimming & diving ($10,942) and women's soccer ($10,062) also reached the $10,000 threshold.
 
Get your friends and teammates involved via social media to aid the current student-athlete experience at Saint Michael's, or create your own match to leverage support for your team. Thank you for your support of our incredible student-athletes and teams!