SPRINGFIELD, MO., Oct. 24, 2022 — Donors showed their support for athletics with the most successful athletic fundraising campaign to date, raising more than $330,000 in a 6-day fundraising effort.
The Champions Challenge crowdfunding campaign began on Oct. 10 and culminated with the live Athletics Auction event at the O’Reilly Family Event Center on Oct. 15. Parents, fans, coaches, students and alumni from across the country and around the world made gifts. With 679 donors, Champions Challenge raised $263,119, a 50% increase in both dollars and donors over the previous year. The Athletics Auction brought in $70,000, totally $333,119 raised.
“I want to thank all of those who donated to the Champions Challenge, participated in our auction and served as sponsors for our event,” said Drury Vice President and Director of Athletics Nyla Milleson, who is in her first year leading the department. “It was humbling to see the hundreds of individuals and families that are passionate about Drury University and our athletic program, make impactful contributions to help us continue the legacy of excellence we have enjoyed for decades. We greatly appreciate their investment in our department and in the lives of our student-athletes.”
This was the third year for the Champions Challenge and the 21st year for the annual Athletics Auction. Proceeds from the two events assist in underwriting Drury’s 34 sports and the department’s operational budget.
“The passion for Drury Athletics is palpable. The Advancement staff was honored to support and work with the coaches and athletic administration to inspire competitiveness amongst supporters, all leading to the benefit of our student-athletes and university,” said Drury Executive Vice President of Advancement Marie Muhvic. “Of note this year, is the strong increase in student-athlete participation in giving and parents stepping up with matching challenges, alongside our dedicated alumni and friends.”
This incredible increase in support, speaks volumes about the trajectory of Drury. While national trends show dips in enrollments, at the start of the semester, Drury had the largest freshman class on record and will host a public grand opening of the C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly Enterprise Center and Breech School of Business Administration and Judy Thompson Executive Conference Center this Friday, Oct. 28 at 3 p.m.
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Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Director of University Communications and Media Relations – (417) 873-7390 or JCooper020@drury.edu.
