Champions Ball
North Dakota Champions Ball Shatters Record: Nearly $453,000 Raised for UND Athletics
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and guests, a record $452,924 was raised to support University of North Dakota student-athletes at the North Dakota Champions Ball on Saturday, April 27. That total smashes the previous record for the event set in 2019 of $350,000.
The Champions Ball is the largest single fundraiser for University of North Dakota Athletics. Proceeds support student-athlete financial awards and priority needs in the department. The event is held every two years.
More than 800 supporters of UND Athletics attended this year’s event at the Alerus Center, which was sponsored by Altru. Guests were able to bid on 160 silent and live auction items ranging from one-of-a-kind UND gear to destination vacations.
You could feel something special in the room that night and that is reflected in this truly amazing Champions Ball record.Bill ChavesDirector of Athletics
“The Champions Ball is a wonderful opportunity for our student-athletes to see UND fans are not only passionately cheering from the stands but are also willing to match their vocal support with financial support,” said Bill Chaves, UND Director of Athletics. “You could feel something special in the room that night and that is reflected in this truly amazing Champions Ball record.”
The Champions Club and the UND Alumni Association & Foundation raise money for scholarships and facilities to help UND student-athletes thrive. New this school year is the 701 Award, a financial award separate from a student-athlete’s scholarship or cost of attendance award. The 701 Award is earned through academic achievement and program standing.
“To shatter the previous record for the Champions Ball is an amazing achievement,” said DeAnna Carlson Zink, ’86, CEO of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation. “We owe thanks to our naming sponsor Altru, to the dozens of businesses and individuals who donated auction items, and, of course, to the more than 800 people in attendance who bid on those amazing auction items and played our various games of chance. It was truly a night to remember.”
Highlights From the Night
