GETTYSBURG, Pa. – After eclipsing $250,000 for the first time in 2021 and $500,000 in 2023, the Bullets Teams Challenge boasted another record-setting performance in 2025. The 36-hour challenge on Dec. 2-3 surpassed blew by the 2024 mark of $654,000 and raised in excess of a half-million dollars from more than 2,000 donors for the third straight year, totaling more than $738,000 in support of Gettysburg athletics.

The Bullets Teams Challenge is Gettysburg's largest fundraising effort in support of the intercollegiate varsity athletic program. The goal this year was to reach at least $600,000 again and the Bullet faithful were out in force with a record 2,471 donors significantly exceeding that mark before the deadline Wednesday night, ending the 36 hours with $738,915.

"Our alumni, families, and friends continue to exemplify what makes this community so special," Nick Poehler, Director of the Orange & Blue Club said. "The support for Gettysburg College Athletics this year was truly extraordinary. Year after year, we break new records and raise the bar even higher. When the Bullets unite behind a shared purpose, there's no limit to what we can achieve together."

Similar to previous years, the teams that featured the highest donor percentage of their goal received additional financial prizes. Track and field captured that crown, finishing the challenge at 255 percent of its donor goal. Baseball – the 2024 winners – finished second, at 242 percent of its goal. The most improved prize also went to track and field.
 
In total, 12 teams surpassed their donor goals while six teams totaled more than 100 individual gifts this year. Baseball led the way with 571 donations.

Seventeen programs raised more than $10,000, including three that brought in more than $92,000. Men's lacrosse topped $100,000 for the second straight Challenge with a record $191,569 raised from 213 donors.

The funds raised as a result of the challenge will support a number of budgetary needs for the athletic programs, including purchasing new uniforms, upgrading equipment, enhancing facilities, and securing adequate travel options to and from competitions. The funds raised during the Bullets Teams Challenge ensure student-athletes can be leaders on the field, while attaining a holistic education and improved well-being off the field.