ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – For the third consecutive year, the College of Saint Benedict Give Day was a record-breaking effort, setting a new record in dollars raised with $112,799 from 718 incredible donors.

"We had a tremendous outpouring of support and generosity from our Bennie supporters on Wednesday (Feb. 12), who 'seized the moment,' and made this day truly successful. It was a team effort as gifts came in from all over the country, including support from alumnae, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends of the College," said CSB Director of Athletics Kelly Anderson Diercks. 

This marks the third consecutive year that CSB athletics has eclipsed the $100,000 threshold and a $6,267 increase from a year ago.

During the 24-hour fundraising effort, the total donors was nearly 110 percent over the goal of 650. The cross country and track and field program set the bar with a department best 150 donors with softball following with 120, while volleyball had 106, swim and dive, 80; and soccer rounded out the top five with 71 individual donors.

"Saint Ben's coaches and athletic staff, our student-athletes, as well as our partners in marketing and institutional advancement all came together to make this day possible. We are so grateful that there are people out there that truly believe in the transformative power of sport and understand the incredible opportunity and life changing experience it is for women to compete in college athletics. I am incredibly grateful for all those who chose to invest in the women of CSB," added Anderson Diercks.