North Dakota Champions Ball raises more than $335,000 for UND Athletics

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and guests, more than $335,000 was raised to support University of North Dakota student-athletes at the North Dakota Champions Ball on Saturday, April 23.

The Champions Ball is the largest single fundraiser for University of North Dakota Athletics. Proceeds support student-athlete scholarships and priority needs in the department. The event is generally held every two years but was postponed in 2021 due to the pandemic.

More than 800 supporters of UND Athletics attended this year’s event at the Alerus Center, which was sponsored by Altru Health System. Guests were able to bid on 110 silent and live auction items ranging from one-of-a-kind UND gear to destination vacations.

“Our student-athletes are so dedicated to their teams and in the classroom and it’s great to see that dedication reflected in the passion of our fans,” said Bill Chaves, UND director of Athletics. “The Champions Ball is a celebration of everything that makes the University special while supporting our outstanding student-athletes.”

University of North Dakota Athletics Department scholarships cost more than $5 million annually.

“The Champions Ball is a special evening that allows fans of UND Athletics to make a direct impact on our student-athletes,” said DeAnna Carlson Zink, ’86, CEO of the UND Alumni Association & Foundation. “We owe thanks to our corporate sponsor Altru Health System and to the dozens of businesses and individuals who donated auction items.”