Catamount Challenge Annual Fundraising Gala: October 20-26. Join the Week of Excitement for a College Spirit Infused Week!

October 20, 2025

UVM Kicks Off Annual Catamount Challenge to Support Athletes

Burlington, Vermont – The University of Vermont (UVM) has initiated its yearly Catamount Challenge, a crucial fundraising drive designed to provide enhanced financial backing for its student-athlete programs. The campaign began today, October 20th, and will continue through Sunday, October 26th, concluding at 11:59 p.m.

A Legacy of Support

Last year’s Catamount Challenge proved exceptionally successful, generating over $450,000 in donations earmarked for supporting UVM’s athletic endeavors. This year, the University seeks to replicate and exceed that achievement, directing all contributions to an Excellence Fund dedicated to specific UVM sport programs.

Matching Gift Opportunities

Currently, eight UVM programs benefit from matching gift provisions, doubling the impact of donor contributions.These programs include Track and Field & Cross Country, Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer, Women’s Hockey, Men’s Lacrosse, Men’s Basketball, Swimming & Diving, and Women’s Lacrosse. Individuals interested in establishing matching gifts for their favored teams are encouraged to connect with maureen Magarity at [email protected] or 802-656-4297.

program	Matching Gift Status
Track and Field & cross Country	matched
Men’s Soccer	Matched
Women’s Soccer	Matched
Women’s Hockey	Matched
Men’s Lacrosse	Matched
Men’s Basketball	Matched
Swimming & Diving	Matched
Women’s Lacrosse	Matched

Did You Know? According to data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), fundraising initiatives consistently represent a significant source of revenue for collegiate athletic programs, frequently enough contributing to facility upgrades and scholarship opportunities.

Incentives and Rewards

Catamount teams will be recognized for their fundraising accomplishments with the following awards: $2,500 will be awarded to the team accumulating the most overall donors; $1,500 will be presented to the team raising the highest total dollar amount; and $1,000 will be granted to the team with the greatest number of alumni donors. All donations of $5 or more will be acknowledged as qualifying gifts. It’s critically important to note that contributions made during the Catamount Challenge are not applicable towards Victory Club benefits.

Pro Tip: Early giving can often provide a competitive edge in fundraising challenges, helping teams quickly establish momentum and attract further support.

How to Participate

donations can be conveniently submitted online at go.uvm.edu/gocats. A campaign video showcasing the impact of donor contributions is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQgX0Q9I9_8.

Are you planning to contribute to the Catamount Challenge this year? What UVM team are you most passionate about supporting?

The Growing Importance of College Athletic Fundraising

Fundraising for college athletics continues to be a vital component of program sustainability,notably with the evolving landscape of Name,Image,and Likeness (NIL) deals and the increasing costs associated with maintaining competitive athletic programs. Initiatives like the Catamount challenge play an essential role in bridging funding gaps and ensuring student-athletes have access to the resources necessary to excel academically and athletically.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Catamount Challenge

• What is the Catamount Challenge? the Catamount Challenge is an annual fundraising campaign supporting UVM student-athletes.
• when does the Catamount Challenge end? The campaign concludes on Sunday, October 26th, at 11:59 p.m.
• Where do the donations go? Funds are directed to an Excellence Fund for specific UVM sport programs.
• Are there matching gift opportunities? Yes, eight UVM programs currently have matching gift provisions.
• What is the minimum donation amount? Any gift of $5 or more is accepted and appreciated.
• Is my donation tax-deductible? Consult with a tax professional regarding the deductibility of your donation.
• How can I set up a matching gift? Contact Maureen Magarity at [email protected] or 802-656-4297.

Share this article with your fellow Catamounts and help us reach our fundraising goals! leave a comment below to let us know which team you’re supporting.

What specific programs or departments will directly benefit from the funds raised during the 2025 Catamount Challenge?

Catamount Challenge Annual Fundraising Gala: October 20-26 – A Week of College Spirit!

What is the Catamount Challenge?

The Catamount Challenge is the annual fundraising week for[College/UniversityName-[College/UniversityName-replace wiht actual name],culminating in a extraordinary gala. Running from October 20th to October 26th, 2025, this isn’t just about donations; it’s a full-fledged festivity of college spirit, community, and the future of our students. Think spirited competitions, engaging events, and a chance to directly impact the educational experience of countless individuals. This year’s challenge aims to raise[DollarAmount-[DollarAmount-replace with actual goal]for[SpecificCause/Department-[SpecificCause/Department-replace with actual cause, e.g.,scholarships,new facilities,academic programs].

Key Events During Catamount Challenge Week

Here’s a breakdown of the exciting events planned for the week. Mark your calendars!

* October 20th: Kick-Off Day & Department Challenges: The week begins with individual department fundraising challenges. Expect friendly rivalries and creative fundraising initiatives across campus. Look for social media updates using #CatamountChallenge and #[College/UniversityHashtag-[College/UniversityHashtag-replace with actual hashtag].

* October 21st-23rd: Student-Led Events: Students will be hosting a variety of events, including concerts, bake sales, and athletic competitions – all benefiting the fundraising goal. Check the official Catamount Challenge website ([Linktowebsite-[Linktowebsite-replace with actual link]) for a detailed schedule.

* October 24th: Alumni Networking Night: A fantastic chance for current students to connect with accomplished alumni. This event often includes a silent auction featuring donated items and experiences.

* October 25th: Community Day & Family Fun: Open to the public, Community Day features family-friendly activities, food vendors, and entertainment. A great way to show your support and experience the Catamount spirit.

* October 26th: The Annual Fundraising Gala: The highlight of the week! A formal evening featuring dinner, live music, and a live auction. This is where major donations are often announced, and the total funds raised are revealed. gala tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available (see below).

Gala Details: A Night to Remember

The Annual Fundraising Gala is the cornerstone of the Catamount Challenge.

* Date: October 26th,2025

* Time: [Time-[Time-replace with actual time]

* Location: [Location-[Location-replace with actual location]

* Dress Code: Formal/Black Tie Optional

* Ticket Price: [Price-[Price-replace with actual price]

* Key Features:

* Gourmet Dinner

* Live Music by[Band/Artist-[Band/Artist-replace with actual performer]

* Live auction (featuring exclusive experiences and items)

* Silent Auction

* Recognition of Major Donors

Why Donate to the Catamount challenge? – The impact of Your Contribution

Your donation,no matter the size,makes a meaningful difference. Here’s how:

* Scholarship Funds: Providing access to education for deserving students who might or else be unable to afford it. Did you know? Last year’s challenge helped fund [Number] new scholarships.

* Academic Program Enhancement: Supporting cutting-edge research, innovative teaching methods, and updated resources for academic departments.

* Campus Improvements: Contributing to the creation of state-of-the-art facilities, improved student life spaces, and a more vibrant campus environment.

* Student Support Services: Funding vital resources like tutoring, career counseling, and mental health services.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Businesses and individuals can become sponsors of the Catamount Challenge and the Gala.Sponsorship levels range from[LowestSponsorshipLevel&Price-[LowestSponsorshipLevel&Price-replace with actual details]to[HighestSponsorshipLevel&Price-[HighestSponsorshipLevel&Price-replace with actual details], offering varying levels of recognition and benefits. Benefits can include:

* Logo placement on event materials

* Recognition during the Gala

* Social media promotion

* Tickets to the Gala

For sponsorship inquiries, please contact[ContactName&Email-[ContactName&Email-replace with actual details].

How to Participate & Donate

There are numerous ways to get involved:

1. Donate Online: visit the official Catamount Challenge website ([LinktoDonationPage-[LinktoDonationPage-replace with actual link]) to make a secure online donation.
2. Attend an Event: Participate in one or more of the events throughout the week.
3. Spread the Word: Share facts about the Catamount Challenge on social media using #CatamountChallenge and #[College/University Hashtag].
4. Volunteer your Time: volunteer opportunities are available throughout the week. Sign up at[LinktoVolunteerSign-up-[LinktoVolunteerSign-up-replace with actual link].
5. Purchase Gala Tickets: secure your spot at the Annual Fundraising Gala by purchasing tickets online ([LinktoGalaTicketPurchase-[LinktoGalaTicketPurchase-replace with actual link]).

real-World Impact: The 2024 Catamount Challenge Success

The 2024 Catamount Challenge raised an impressive[DollarAmountRaisedin2024-[DollarAmountRaisedin2024-replace with actual amount