Milwaukee City Wire

The Milwaukee Athletic Department is preparing to launch the "For the MKE" Athletics Giving Challenge alongside the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's "414 for UWM Giving Days" in the coming days. This initiative involves the Panthers' varsity athletic programs, their supporters, and alumni in a giving challenge to enhance the experience of Panther student-athletes and improve specific areas of each program.

Supporters can engage in the challenge through several giving options:

Team-Specific Giving: Every team within the Milwaukee Athletic Department has established distinct giving levels based on specific dollar totals associated with each program. A detailed breakdown is available in a team-by-team PDF document.

Wake up and Roar Power Hour Challenges: Scheduled from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. CT on April 14, these power hours spotlight individual campus areas. In memory of Erika Sander, the first women's basketball head coach, donors who contribute during this hour are entered in a raffle for an extra $1,000 towards their chosen fund(s). Additionally, the first $1,000 donated will be matched by MKE Director of Athletics Amanda Braun.

Young Alumni Challenge: Recent UWM graduates can contribute to their favored programs by securing the highest donations from young alumni, potentially earning up to $500 for the program. On 414 Day, the athletic department will match every dollar donated by young alumni, up to $500, for the team receiving the most contributions.

Participants do not need to be program alumni to join the challenge.

The "414 Day Giving" is currently open for access, and the challenge will run from Monday, April 14, to Tuesday, April 15. While supporters are encouraged to direct their gifts to specific sports programs during the challenge, donations can also be made to the Bud K. Haidet Hall of Fame or the Panther Excellence Fund, the primary fundraising arm supporting Milwaukee Athletics' teams, student-athletes, and mission.