SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - Two graduates of Seton Hall University, who wish to remain anonymous, have offered a bold challenge to the Pirate Blue Athletic Fund to help increase membership.   When a donor makes a gift to Pirate Blue this year, these generous benefactors will contribute $100 to Pirate Blue for up to 1,500 donors totaling $150,000. 

Part of this challenge comes from the same “Mystery Pirate” who directed a $100,000 challenge match be used to match new and increased gifts to Pirate Blue a year ago.  That challenge succeeded in leading Pirate Blue to secure $826,337 in gifts — a 13.2 percent increase over the prior year.

This year the “Mystery Pirate” has recruited a “First Mate” to help Pirate Blue boost its membership to 1,500 donors.  Pirate Blue raised $826,337 in 2006 from 1,106 donors, many of whom are alumni.  It is expected that this challenge match will help bring Pirate Blue membership to the highest level in its twenty-year history.  The previous high came in 2003 with 1,391 donors.  The anticipated increased membership should allow Pirate Blue to exceed its goal of $880,000 in the present fiscal year. 

Gifts to Pirate Blue provide more than 25% of the annual operating budget for the University’s athletic programs. “The support of Pirate Blue members is essential to our program’s success. Without the generous and consistent support of Pirate Blue, we would not be able to achieve at the highest levels, both within the BIG EAST Conference and nationally,” says Joe Quinlan, Director of Athletics and Recreational Services.

Leading the fundraising efforts for athletics, Bryan Felt, director of Pirate Blue, says, “This challenge will encourage others to step up and support our student athletes.  New membership is essential to our growth as a Division I athletic program.”

Members in Pirate Blue, “the team behind the team,” enjoy valuable and unique benefits including priority seating at Seton Hall Pirates basketball games, upgrades to current seats, priority purchasing of BIG EAST Tournament tickets and exclusive Pirate Blue merchandise.

Pirate Blue was founded in 1985 at the encouragement of the late Richie Regan, legendary Seton Hall basketball player and head coach.  The fund supports the advancement of Seton Hall’s athletic programs, including funding for individual teams, equipment and facility upgrades.

For questions or more information about how to become a donor to Pirate Blue, contact Bryan Felt at 973-378-2681, or feltbrya@shu.edu.