Pirate Blue Sets Fundraising Record
7/10/2014 12:00:00 AM | Pirate Blue
July 10, 2014
SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - For the first time in Pirate Blue history, the Seton Hall Athletic Department's fundraising arm exceeded $2 million in fiscal year 2014 (July 1-June 30), which also marked the third consecutive year it turned in record numbers.
"On behalf of the entire Seton Hall Athletics community, we are incredibly thankful for the overwhelming support of our Pirate Blue members," said Director of Athletics Patrick Lyons. "With the addition of our new athletic facilities and the progress of our Pride & Excellence Campaign, there is much to be excited about here at Seton Hall. Our Pirate Blue supporters have a tremendous impact on the experience we provide our student-athletes and their generosity is truly appreciated."
In addition to the unrestricted support, the Pride & Excellence Campaign continues to help fund major facility enhancements in an effort to modernize the Richie Regan Athletic Center and varsity athletic venues. Over the past year, the Athletic Department unveiled its state-of-the-art Center for Sports Medicine and the Charles W. Doehler Academic Center for Excellence. Both areas nearly doubled in size and will play a key role in fulfilling the department's objective of providing optimal resources for student-athletes to excel on and off the field of play.
The Center for Sports Medicine features a Hydrotherapy Room with three 14-foot Hydro Worx tubs, as well as a dedicated physicians area. The Charles W. Doehler Academic Center for Excellence is a completely renovated space that now includes two group meeting rooms, two private tutoring areas, and a set of study lounges. Construction is underway for the latest phase of facility enhancements as part of the Pride & Excellence Campaign, which includes brand-new varsity locker rooms, a dedicated team video room and the performance training center and varsity weight room.
"So many of our alumni, parents and fans have been incredibly loyal to Pirate Blue. It is their commitment and passion for Seton Hall Athletics that has helped elevate Pirate Blue to new fundraising records the past three years," said Bryan Felt, Associate Athletic Director for Development and External Affairs. "This continuous support helps us attract top student-athletes and provide them with the unique Seton Hall experience."
Once again, Donor Matching Day and the Pirate Pride Challenge proved to be pivotal initiatives to the overall success of Pirate Blue in fiscal year 2014. On April 30, Donor Matching Day generated in excess of $193,000, setting an all-time record for donations to Pirate Blue in a single day. Support poured in non-stop for 24 hours from nearly 450 alumni, family and friends of the program in an effort to receive donations from all 50 states to meet the challenge of an anonymous donor who contributed $50,000. The generosity of RTB Media matching 30% of donations played a key part in the overall success of Donor Matching Day.
The second annual Pirate Pride Challenge was transformed into a four-month bracket-style competition for the 2014 edition. The challenge kicked off in January and drew tremendous support from current and former student-athletes in an effort to help their team advance through the bracket and win up to $10,000 for their respective athletic program. The women's soccer team outlasted baseball in the championship round to take the 2014 Pirate Pride Challenge title and earn the $5,000 bonus. Additionally, the women's soccer team was rewarded with an extra $2,500 for receiving the highest increase in donations from 2013 to 2014. The baseball team was also presented with a $2,500 gift for its significant contributions to the challenge as it generated the most money of all 14 athletic programs.
The Pirate Blue Athletic Fund directly supports the Seton Hall Athletic Department and its 200+ student-athletes. Pirate Blue strives to embrace and engage the most dedicated Pirate fans within the Seton Hall community to further promote the camaraderie that makes the University so unique. You can make a tax-deductible contribution and join Pirate Blue today by calling 973-275-6447 or visiting PirateBlue.com .
