Flames Athletics fundraising competition underway

OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) kicked off fundraising for Flames Athletics with a competition leading up to Ignite the Flame, its annual fundraising luncheon on June 3. 

In its third year, Ignite the Flame supports women’s athletics, showcases the achievements of CSM’s Flames athletes and honors a trailblazer in women’s sports.   

During the fundraising competition, donors can choose between sports seasons—fall, winter and spring—and the athletics administration when they make their donations. 

Whoever receives the most donations will get a bucket of ice water dumped on them during an event in the fall. If a sports season receives the most donations, coaches from those sports will be the recipients of the ice water. 

Ticket sales from Ignite the Flame also support Flames Athletics. 

During the event, CSM will present the Ignite the Flame Community Impact award to Kirsten Bernthal Booth, former volleyball coach at Creighton University, for her dedication to empowering girls and women in athletics. As the event’s distinguished guest, she will also participate in a fireside chat, sharing insights from her inspiring journey. 

Michelle Bandur, an award-winning journalist and co-founder of the Ironhawk Juniors Triathlon Club, will serve as the emcee. Ignite the Flame will also include a testimonial from current Flames athlete Kylee Brown. Lisa Utterback, Omaha Public Schools chief officer of student and community services, a 1993 CSM alum and former student-athlete, will serve as the event’s honorary chair. 

The luncheon is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 3 at the Lied Fitness Center Fieldhouse at CSM’s campus located at 7000 Mercy Rd. 

Donate here or purchase Ignite the Flame tickets at csm.edu/ignite.