LEWISTON, Maine -- The eighth annual Friends of Bates Athletics Giving Challenge proved to be another runaway success, setting a new standard for funds raised at $934,068.

"What stood out most wasn't just the result, but how everyone showed up," Bates Director of Athletics Stacey Bunting said. "The energy, creativity, and collective effort from our Bobcat student-athletes, coaches, alumni, families, and friends made this truly special—and something we're incredibly grateful for. It's a powerful reminder of what's possible when everyone leans in." 

Taking place on May 7th this year, the FBA Giving Challenge is designed to provide specific program benefits — such as funding for expanded travel and training opportunities, better equipment, and stepped-up recruiting efforts — as well as support that's more intangible, such as reaffirming the Bates culture of giving back.

"The results of this year's FBA Challenge are truly historic," Bates Assistant Vice President for Annual Giving Emily Bray Levine said. "By raising $934,068 - an increase of more than 33% over our previous challenge record - the Bates community has set a new standard of support for our student-athletes. This extraordinary growth is a testament to the loyalty and passion of our alumni, families, and friends. We are deeply grateful for this collective commitment to ensuring our Bobcats have the tools they need to lead and succeed, both in competition and in the classroom." 

The inaugural FBA Giving Challenge in 2019 raised $189,127. The money raised and donors participating has increased substantially since then, with 2,417 donors this time around, well-beyond the donor goal of 1,855. 

The previous record for funds raised was set in 2024 ($700,692) and in 2025 1,884 donors contributed a total of $694,836. 

This year's record-breaking success of the FBA Challenge is the latest in a long line of accomplishments for Bates athletics in 2025-26.

In the fall, the college celebrated 150 years of Bates football, held the inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and saw field hockey win the program's first NESCAC title. In the winter, women's basketball and men's basketball both made the NCAA tournament, with the women winning the NESCAC for the second time in program history. Meanwhile, men's swimming and diving finished a program-best sixth in the country, won the program's first-ever relay national championship, and broke three NCAA Division III records.

So far this spring, the college has celebrated 50 years of Bates softball, men's lacrosse made the NCAA tournament for the third time in program history, and women's rowing recently won their eighth NESCAC title, with the NCAA Championships still to come. 

It's the first time in Bates athletics history that three different teams have won NESCAC titles in the same academic year.