SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. – Seton Hall University’s Pirate Blue Athletic fund has announced record support for the 2006-07 fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).  Pirate Blue exceeded its goal of $880,000, with $903,938 secured as of June 21, 2007.  This represents the largest amount raised by Pirate Blue in its 22-year history.  Along with the record dollar increase, Pirate Blue set a new membership record by recruiting 1,561 members to the athletic fund.  The previous high came in 2003 with 1,391 members. 

The increases were stimulated by a challenge grant from two alumni, who wish to remain anonymous.  At the start of fiscal year 2007, the “Mystery Pirates” offered a bold challenge to help Pirate Blue increase membership.  When a donor made a gift to Pirate Blue in fiscal year 2007, these generous benefactors contributed $100 to Pirate Blue for up to 1,500 donors totaling $150,000. 

This is the second consecutive year that Pirate Blue had success due to a challenge match gift.  In 2006, a challenge by one of the current “Mystery Pirates” offered to match dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000 in new and increased gifts to Pirate Blue.  That challenge succeeded in helping Pirate Blue secure $826,337 in gifts – a 13.2 percent increase over the prior year.

“We are so grateful to our generous ‘Mystery Pirates’ and to the 1,561 alumni, friends, parents and fans who assured we met this important challenge,” said Bryan Felt, Director of Pirate Blue.  “Pirate Blue has grown tremendously in the last two years due to these unique challenge gifts and it is enormously satisfying to know the increased funds will positively impact the education and personal growth of Seton Hall student-athletes.”

Pirate Blue directly benefits Seton Hall student-athletes by providing financial support for individual sports, including athletic scholarships, equipment, team travel and facility enhancements.

Gifts to Pirate Blue supplement the annual operating budget for the University’s athletic programs.

“The support of Pirate Blue members is critical to our program’s success,” said Joe Quinlan, Director of Athletics and Recreational Services.  “Athletics has historically played a leading role in supporting the University’s mission.  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.”

Pirate Blue was founded in 1985 by the late Richard J. “Richie” Regan ’53/M.A. ’67, legendary Seton Hall basketball player, head coach and administrator.  Pirate Blue supporters, known as “the team behind the team,” play a key role in the continuing advancement of Seton Hall’s long and distinguished athletics history.

For questions or more information about how to become a Pirate Blue member, contact the Pirate Blue office at 973-378-9809 or pirateblue@shu.edu.