Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University News

UNC Asheville’s ‘Our Turn to Play’ Fundraiser Dinner Sells Out

Attendees at UNC Asheville 'Our Turn to Play' fundraiser dinner

News Summary

The ‘Our Turn to Play’ fundraiser dinner at UNC Asheville has officially sold out for 2025, highlighting the achievements of women in collegiate sports. Organized by First Bank, this event supports scholarship funding for female student-athletes and has already raised $180,000. With keynote speaker Kristi Coleman and emcee Debbie Antonelli, it promises to be a memorable night, bringing attention to the importance of breaking barriers in athletics and empowering future generations of female athletes.

UNC Asheville’s “Our Turn to Play” Fundraiser Dinner Sells Out!

Good news for all those involved in collegiate sports! The much-anticipated 2025 “Our Turn to Play” fundraiser dinner at UNC Asheville has officially sold out! This exciting event, presented by First Bank, shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of women in collegiate athletics while working to enhance scholarship funding for female student-athletes at the university.

Celebrating Success

The director of athletics at UNC Asheville, Janet R. Cone, has been busy expressing her gratitude to everyone who helped pull this event together. It’s a big deal—last year’s star-studded gala was a resounding success, drawing in over 425 attendees at Kimmel Arena in the Sherrill Center! The buzz created by that event raised more than $330,000 and provided substantial support for the athletic department.

A Major Matching Challenge

What makes last year’s event even more amazing is that the funds contributed helped ignite a $1 million 1:1 matching challenge. This challenge ended up generating a whopping $2 million in support for Bulldog student-athletes within a single fiscal year. Now that’s what you call making an impact!

Looking Ahead to 2025

This year’s magical evening is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, with doors set to open at 5 p.m.. It’s shaping up to be quite the affair, as UNC Asheville Athletics has already sold 50 tables and has raised an impressive $180,000 to date! Whether you’re a fan or simply a supporter of women’s sports, this event is one you won’t want to miss.

Keynote Speaker Announced

As if the anticipation needed to be cranked up even further, the organizers have confirmed that the keynote speaker for this year’s event will be Kristi Coleman, CEO of Tepper Sports Entertainment and President of the Carolina Panthers. It’s an incredible opportunity for attendees to hear from someone at the forefront of the sports industry.

A Night to Remember

In what promises to be an entertaining and inspiring evening, Debbie Antonelli will serve as the emcee. With her experience and charm, there’s no doubt she will make this fundraiser a memorable night for all involved. From fun stories to heartwarming moments, you can expect an event that uplifts and celebrates the spirit of sportsmanship.

Why This Matters

The “Our Turn to Play” fundraiser isn’t just about raising money; it’s about breaking barriers and creating opportunities for female athletes. As inequality issues persist in sports, initiatives like this help to level the playing field. Supporting these events enables more women to pursue their athletic dreams and encourages future generations to follow in their footsteps.

Join the Movement

If you weren’t able to snag a ticket this year, never fear! There’s always next time. Each year, this event grows stronger and more impactful, and there’s no reason to think that won’t continue. Stay tuned for further announcements as UNC Asheville strives to create more scholarships and further support its talented female athletes.

In the world of collegiate athletics, it’s evident that the spotlight is slowly but surely brightening for female athletes, and the community’s support is what makes all the difference in their journeys. Let’s keep cheering them on!