SAINT PETER, Minn. – The second annual Give Like a Champion campaign - a two-day, online fundraising event for Gustavus Athletics - is just one week away. Starting at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, alumni, family, friends, and fans of Gustavus Athletics are invited to support their programs with an overall goal of raising $400,000. 

All funds raised in February will assist in providing championship-caliber support to the Gustie teams and over 800 varsity and club student-athletes. Each varsity team, as well as club athletics, sports medicine, and sports information will set an individual fundraising goal, with donors able to designate their monetary gifts toward a specific program, as well as the general athletic department, or G-Club. 

Early boosters have committed challenge gifts for the general athletics support fund and all individuals are encouraged to consider getting involved in the campaign in a number of capacities. The athletic department, in collaboration with the Gustavus advancement team, invites friends of Gustavus Athletics to consider getting involved through donating, becoming a campaign advocate, or challenging friends and former teammates with a matching gift.

Over the two-day event, fans and supporters will have the opportunity to hear testimonials from over 60 current student-athletes, as well as every varsity coach through the Give Like a Champion video series, which will be found on social media, as well as the Gustavus Athletics YouTube channel.

The Gustavus advancement team will also host a number of events the week of the campaign to encourage and further support the efforts of the giving days.

On Tuesday, Feb. 4, Jillian Hiscock '05 and Dr. Nicole LaVoi '91 HOF '22 will gather with fellow Gusties at A Bar of Their Own in Minneapolis to celebrate the legacy and momentum of Gustavus Athletics, as well as National Girls and Women in Sports Day, which will take place on the first day of the campaign, Wednesday, Feb. 5. The event is open to all alumni, parents, and fans of Gustavus Athletics to celebrate the kickoff of the 2025 Give Like A Champion Giving Days. The gathering will feature stories from Hiscock and LaVoi on their advocacy for women's sports, as well as free Gustie swag and apparel, refreshments and appetizers provided by A Bar of Their Own, and a chance to connect with other Gustavus athletics supporters. 

Those interested in attending should register for the event using this link.

The inaugural Give Like a Champion campaign was held last February and exceeded the initial goal of $250,000 by over 170 percent, raising $427,333 from 1,228 donors.

Looking to get involved or make an early contribution to the 2025 Give Like A Champion campaign? Click here. If you're interested in volunteering for the campaign, contact Jason LaFrenz, Gift Planner for Athletics, at jlafrenz@gustavus.edu.