GETTYSBURG, Pa. – After eclipsing $250,000 for the first time in 2021 and $300,000 in 2022, the Bullets Teams Challenge boasted another record-setting performance in 2023. The 36-hour challenge on Nov. 28-29 surpassed a half-million dollars from more than 2,000 donors, totaling more than $516,000 in support of Gettysburg athletics.

The Bullets Teams Challenge is Gettysburg's largest fundraising effort in support of the intercollegiate varsity athletic program. The goal this year was to reach $315,000 and the Bullet faithful were out in force with 2,090 donors significantly exceeding that mark before the deadline Wednesday night, ending the 36 hours with $516,231.

"We are incredibly grateful to have such a dedicated community of alumni, family, and friends supporting the O&B Club and Gettysburg College Athletics," Nick Poehler, Director of the Orange & Blue Club said. "We far exceeded all expectations! This is a true testament that remarkable things can happen when Bullets come together!"

Similar to previous years, the teams that featured the highest donor percentage of their goal received additional financial prizes. Women's golf captured that crown for the first time, finishing the challenge at 360 percent of its donor goal. Baseball and football finished tied for second, also more than doubling their goal at 217 percent each. The most improved prize went to football.

In total, 13 teams surpassed their donor goals while seven teams totaled more than 100 individual gifts this year. Football led the way with 259 donations with baseball right behind at 254. Men's soccer (182), men's lacrosse (163), women's lacrosse (132) and women's soccer (119) rounded out the list.

Sixteen programs raised more than $10,000, including seven that brought in more than $38,000 and four were over $50,000. Men's lacrosse topped the group with $71,402.24 raised.

The funds raised as a result of the challenge will support a number of budgetary needs for the athletic programs, including purchasing new uniforms, upgrading equipment, enhancing facilities, and securing adequate travel options to and from competitions. The funds raised during the Bullets Teams Challenge ensure student-athletes can be leaders on the field, while attaining a holistic education and improved well-being off the field.