COLCHESTER, Vt. - The Saint Michael's College Department of Athletics and Office of Advancement and Communications are proud to announce the 10th annual Purple Knight Challenge, a fundraising event benefiting each of the 22 varsity Purple Knight athletic teams, begins on Monday and runs through Sunday, Sept. 27.
 
However, it's not too early to make a contribution toward your favorite program by visiting smcvt.edu/pkc26. 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/pkc26 to contribute and track the live, up-to-date leaderboard. During the first nine years of the Challenge, nearly 15,000 gifts were made toward a total of almost $2 million. Last year alone, the Purple Knight varsity athletic programs were supported with more than 2,200 gifts for in excess of $427,000.
 
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 women's basketball, Nordic skiing, men's basketball and men's lacrosse rounded out a tight competition for second place. In terms of top dollar figures, men's basketball led the way with $59,220. Women's basketball ($51,589), men's lacrosse ($46,405), baseball ($27,905), men's ice hockey ($25,428), Nordic skiing ($24,340) and men's soccer ($20,390) also reached the $20,000 threshold, and another six teams and one department raised at least $10,000.
 
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!