Siena Men’s and Women’s Basketball today announced its holiday season partnership with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, one of the largest private nonprofit agencies in the Capital Region.
The 2024 Catholic Charities Christmas Series will endeavor to raise funds to support Catholic Charities and its impactful local initiatives during each of the Saints’ four basketball contests against Catholic institutions in the week leading up to Christmas.
Catholic Charities representatives will collect donations at MVP Arena when the Siena men host sister school St. Bonaventure in the battle for the Br. Ed Coughlin Franciscan Cup on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m., and later in the week against Holy Cross on Friday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.
Catholic Charities emissaries will also fundraise at UHY Center when the Siena women begin Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) competition against Niagara and Canisius on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m., respectively.
All fans who donate to Catholic Charities at any of these games will receive a special voucher to purchase a ticket for just $12.25 to see the Siena men host archrival Iona on Sunday, Jan. 5 at MVP Arena, or for a complimentary ticket to a Siena women’s 2024-25 regular season home game at UHY Center (excludes Kid’s Day game on Jan. 9). Donors will also receive a $5 Dunkin’ card. Cash or credit card donations will be accepted. All ticket vouchers and Dunkin’ cards are available while supplies last.
“We are honored to support an instrumental organization that aligns with our values as a Franciscan institution to assist our local community,” said Siena Vice President and Director of Athletics John D’Argenio. “The work that Catholic Charities does in the Capital Region makes a monumental difference and is even more impactful during the holidays and winter months.”
Established in 1917 as a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Albany, Catholic Charities helps an estimated 70,000 people each year across the 14 local counties that it serves, with the majority of these individuals receiving multiple services with a total reach of services going well beyond 70,000. The 501(c)(3) agency offers a wide spectrum of services, from addressing basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter; to more specialized support for the most vulnerable in our communities, including individuals with developmental disabilities, pregnant and parenting teens, the unemployed, victims of domestic violence and the homeless.
“We are grateful to Siena College Athletics for allowing us to unite for a common cause and for their support in helping us to provide to those in need this holiday season,” said Catholic Charities Chief Executive Officer Sister Betsy Van Deusen. “These opportunities to showcase what we do as a charitable organization are invaluable and we can’t thank the Siena men’s and women’s basketball programs enough for hosting us during the four-game Catholic Charities Christmas Series this holiday season.”
Tickets to the Catholic Charities Christmas Series and for all Siena Men’s and Women’s Basketball home games can be purchased online at sienasaints.com/tickets.
Siena Men’s and Women’s Basketball announces its holiday season partnership with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, one of the largest private nonprofit agencies in the Capital Region, at a press conference on Monday, Dec. 16. The 2024 Catholic Charities Christmas Series will endeavor to raise funds to support Catholic Charities and its impactful local initiatives during each of the Saints’ four basketball contests against Catholic institutions in the week leading up to Christmas. From left to right: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany CEO Sister Betsy Van Deusen; Fr. Kevin Mullen, OFM, Guardian of the Siena College Friary; Siena Women’s Basketball Head Coach Terry Primm; Siena Men’s Basketball Head Coach Gerry McNamara.