The University of Kentucky raised more than $6,000 with 193 donors in the second annual Cats vs. Cards Challenge, falling just short of the University of Louisville’s 199 donors. 

Running from Nov. 24 through Dec. 2, the challenge collected donations for both universities’ food pantries — the Big Blue Pantry at UK and Cardinal Cupboard at UofL.

The official Cats vs. Cards website announced the challenge winner on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

“While we didn’t come out on top of the scoreboard, our students are the real winners – and that’s all because of you,” a statement on the website said. “Your support made a real difference for students across campus, helping the Big Blue Pantry provide food and essential resources to Wildcats in need.”  

Last year’s challenge saw the Cats defeat Louisville, raising $3,421 and 89 donors, during the week leading up to the UK vs. UofL men’s basketball game.  

This year, the fundraiser coincided with both the UK vs. UofL football game on Nov. 29 and Giving Tuesday, according to the campaign’s official website. 

“It just made sense that we extend the challenge past the game to roll into Giving Tuesday and raise support for students at our respective pantries to tackle food insecurity on campus,” Andrew Palmer, director of annual giving for UK’s Office of Philanthropy, said. 

The fundraiser was inspired by similar efforts at other SEC schools and hosted by both universities’ philanthropy offices, according to Palmer. 

“We (UK and UofL) just felt like it was a great opportunity for us to take our schools’ efforts on the court last year and this year on the field and have some friendly rivalry here in state to raise support for our students,” Palmer said.

The winner was determined by the number of donors rather than the dollar amount, according to Palmer.

“We have lots of alumni and fans committed to the rivalry, and it’s an opportunity to tap into some of that spirit to beat our big in-state rival while also tapping into the importance of supporting students,” Palmer said. 

According to the campaign’s website, funds raised by UK went directly to Big Blue Pantry, a university-sponsored program tackling food insecurity.

Andrew Perkins, the program coordinator of Big Blue Pantry, said donations fully fund the program.

“We’re (Big Blue Pantry) very excited to be a part of this program, and the donations collected will certainly help our students in need, and we’re very grateful for the generosity of the UK community,” Perkins said.