COLCHESTER, Vt. - The Saint Michael's College Department of Athletics and Department of Institutional Advancement are proud to announce the ninth annual Purple Knight Challenge, a fundraising event benefiting each of the 22 varsity Purple Knight athletic teams, begins on Monday and runs through next Sunday, Sept. 21.
 
However, it's not too early to make a contribution toward your favorite program by visiting smcvt.edu/pkc25. 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/pkc25 to contribute and track the live, up-to-date leaderboard. During the first eight years of the Challenge, more than 12,000 gifts were made toward a total of $1.5 million. Last year alone, the Purple Knight varsity athletic programs were supported with nearly 1,900 gifts for almost $300,000.
 
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.
 
Women's ice hockey received the most gifts last year, while Nordic skiing, men's ice hockey, men's basketball, and men's lacrosse rounded out a tight competition for second place. In terms of top dollar figures, men's ice hockey led the way with $48,971. Baseball ($31,975), men's lacrosse ($29,831), women's ice hockey ($28,271), men's basketball ($22,116), Nordic skiing ($17,351), women's basketball ($17,020), Alpine skiing ($13,336), men's soccer ($13,050), women's soccer ($11,150), and men's and women's swimming & diving ($10,251) 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!