For the 2023 Giving Challenge, Keene State College athletics set a goal of 300 donors.
This was well surpassed; as of the evening of March 28, 641 donors raised $59,232.
The annual month-long event was started in 2015 as a way for Keene State’s athletic teams to raise money for their programs, Assistant Athletic Director Abe Osheyack said. The challenge is part of Keene State’s Day of Giving.
“[The Giving Challenge] is very important. Fundraising is a critical component of our success and helps to support our student-athlete experience,” Osheyack said.
The money has been donated by nearly 500 alumni, students, parents, faculty, friends and businesses. Donors have ranged from all over the country, including states like Florida, California and Texas.
Certain coaches, like men’s basketball head coach Ryan Cain and baseball head coach Justin Blood, have also been offering up challenges to encourage more donors. Blood and Cain each pledged to donate a certain amount if their challenge was met.
“The money raised during the Giving Challenge is immensely impactful. [It] allows our program the ability to recruit, develop and equip our student athletes at the highest level,” Blood said. “Ultimately, if we give our student-athletes a great experience and they leave Keene State feeling as though they were cared for, then they will also give back to the college and our program with their time and or resources.”
At the time of publishing, the baseball team raised $17,227, the most of any team. Blood said they plan to put that money towards their operating budget, as well as making equipment and locker room upgrades.
The Giving Challenge concluded at midnight on Wednesday, March 29 on Keene State’s 2023 Day of Giving.
Cal Thompson can be contacted
at cthompson@kscequinox.com
