BELMONT, N.C. -- Belmont Abbey's Giving Tuesday fundraising efforts have exceeded $274,000, an all-time record, Vice President and Director of Athletics Stephen Miss announced today. The total tops last year's previous best with more than 1,400 donors contributing to the effort. The average gift was $195, also up from 2021.

"I applaud and am in awe of our Giving Tuesday leadership team, spearheaded by Gabby Reppell, our coaches, athletic trainers, and administrators, our students, our monastic community, our benefactors and donors, and all of Crusader nation," Miss said. "To have actually exceeded last year's all-time record (when taking the snap shot on December 14) in our current economic environment is, quite frankly, jaw-dropping! We are all ineffably grateful to everyone who made this success possible, for it undeniably and irrefutably will positively impact our students' experience - not just this year, but for many years to come."

Held on Tuesday, November 29, the fifth annual day of philanthropy saw everyone involved in Athletics join together to inspire the Crusader Community in supporting the endeavors towards Educating Champions: Body Mind, Soul. Through phone calls, emails, text messages, and social networks, each program was able to directly connect with family, friends, and alumni. Email power hours and letters were sent to express interests and motivations for the upcoming year. Funds raised went completely toward each program's needs and goals for the upcoming year.

One day earlier, 210 students and the entire Athletic Administrative Team joined together to participate in a day of "Giving BAC". The morning started with the the Coach Bill Hodge Remembrance Run, honoring the former Cross Country and Track and Field Head Coach, who passed away in 2010. Organized and coordinated by the current teams, the run covered a loop around the beautiful campus and included a time of reflection and prayer. While athletes, coaches, and admin raced or walked the route, doughnuts, coffee, and hot chocolate were being set-up to welcome everyone back into the warmth of the Student Commons. Later, care packages including a a note of positivity or holiday cheer, were assembled, providing an assortment of items for the Charlotte Rescue Mission. At the end of the morning, over 400 meals and leftover doughnuts were delivered to those in need.

Giving Tuesday was made possible through the dedication and time commitment provided by the Office of College Relations, the Office of College Communications and Marketing, the Business Office, and and the Athletics Giving Tuesday Team of Gabrielle Reppell, Carrie Bailey, Ben Knust, Justin Bates and Stephen Miss. Head Women's Volleyball Coach Toni Elyea and Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Molly Lehman-Lewis, and the Women's Lacrosse program spearheaded the efforts of the #HashtagLunchBag participation.