MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Athletic Department is set to launch this year's "For the MKE" Athletics Giving Challenge in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's campus-wide "414 for UWM Giving Days" next week.
 
The program involves each of the Panthers' varsity athletic programs, their supporters, and alumni in a giving competition focused on supporting the experience of Panther student-athletes and enhancing specific areas of each program.
 
There are several options for supporters to participate this year, centered around this year's theme: "Give the Gift." The campaign invites supporters, alumni, and fans to make a direct impact on student-athletes by contributing to the programs they care about most.

To amplify the impact of every gift, several generous supporters have stepped forward with challenge opportunities:

• Men's Basketball: Sue Riesch '71, '76 and Ric Soto '70, '72 will unlock $10,000 for Men's Basketball scholarships when 25 donors give to Men's Basketball. 
• Swimming & Diving: An anonymous friend of Milwaukee Athletics will unlock $3,500 for Swimming & Diving when 40 donors give. 
• Track & Field: An anonymous donor will unlock $1,000 for Track & Field and Cross Country when 40 donors give to the fund for those teams. 
• Women's Basketball: Jen Greger '97, and Mark and Shawn Geinopolos will match the first $5,000 given to support Women's Basketball. 

 
*The "414 Day Giving" is now live and can be accessed HERE.
 
*The challenge runs from Monday, April 13 through Tuesday, April 14. While it is encouraged that supporters direct their gift to a specific sports program during the challenge, gifts can also be made to the Bud K. Haidet Hall of Fame or to the Panther Excellence Fund, which is the primary fundraising arm supporting the teams, student-athletes, and overall mission of Milwaukee Athletics.
 
Please direct any questions to Zach Beaschler at beaschle@uwm.edu.