FAIRBANKS – The Alaska Nanooks recently hosted two unforgettable fundraising events, the Alaska Nanooks Gold Rush presented by Usibelli Coal Mine and the 2025 UA Giving Day. Thanks to the overwhelming support from our community, we raised an impressive $185,000 – a major boost for our student-athletes!
We extend our deepest gratitude to Usibelli Coal Mine, our presenting sponsor, for their continued and unwavering support of the Alaska Nanooks Gold Rush. Their contributions go far beyond this event, helping to fund scholarships, athletic training, and the brand-new competition ski trails at UAF. Gold Rush brought together hundreds of dedicated fans, athletes, and coaches for a night filled with fun, connection, and generous giving.
A special thank you to our incredible corporate sponsors—Tommy G's Meat & Sausage, SBS Retirement Consultants, Brice Inc., and Northern Star Resources—whose generosity played a crucial role in the event's success. Your commitment to Alaska Nanooks athletics does not go unnoticed!
The night was made even more exciting by our outcry auction, featuring unique experiences put together by some of our dedicated supporters, including Coach Albrigtsen, Coach Anti, Coach Buck, Coach Haber, Coach Largen, and Coach Ostanik. We also want to give a huge shoutout to individual donors Tom Gross, Jason Gootee, Colton Parayko, and Tommy G's Meat & Sausage for adding to the excitement with one-of-a-kind auction items.
Our silent auction was a showcase of generosity from local businesses, with contributions from Audrey's Womenswear, Kenai River Trips, Fairbanks Family Dental Care, Summit Chiropractic, North Pole Coffee, Goldstream General Store, Sunrise Bagel & Espresso, Sheri Layral, HooDoo Brewing Company, The Great Alaskan Bowl Company, Bucko's Coffee, Alaska Goldpanners, Face Off Club, Riverboat Discovery, Santa Claus House, Alaska 529, Edge of the Arctic Trading Post, Rove Co., Tom Loudin, Denali Industrial Supply, Graphic North Inc., Westmark Hotel, Rep AK Designs Chelsea Held, GCR Tires & Service, The Green's Bar & Grill, Gold Dredge 8, Cold Spot for Healthy Pets, Marlo's Bakery, The Library Bar & Bites, Salty's on 2nd, and The Odom Corporation.
The excitement didn't stop there! We want to congratulate our big winners who made the decision to split the grand prize, as well as the 22 lucky winners who took home cash and prizes donated by Alaska Airlines.
The 2025 UA Giving Day was another incredible success, raising $135,016 from 233 donors. Thank you to everyone who contributed during Giving Day on March 25-27 to help unlock all of our pledges and support each of our team's funds. A special thank you to those who pledged support, including the Alaska Nanooks Hockey Alumni Association, Spirit of Alaska Federal Credit Union, Craig McConnell, Kinross Alaska, UA President Pat Pitney, Cold Spot for Healthy Pets, Thomas and Lis Lane, Bucko's Coffee, Ben Roth, Franks Menswear, Audrey's Womenswear, Mike and Judy Kelliher, Running Club North, Summit Chiropractic, McKinley Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Spine, Elevate Volleyball Club, and Fairbanks Volleyball Association.
The success of these events wouldn't be possible without the incredible support of our community, sponsors, and donors. Your generosity fuels the future of Alaska Nanooks athletics, and we can't wait to see what we accomplish together next year. Until then—Go Nanooks!
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