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December 1, 2025Siena Basketball Partners with Catholic Charities for Holiday Home Contests
The Catholic Charities Christmas Series returns to MVP Arena and UHY Center this holiday season, a partnership between Siena Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, one of the largest private nonprofit agencies in the Capital Region.
Building on the success of last season’s initiative, the 2025 Catholic Charities Christmas Series is designed to raise awareness for Catholic Charities’ resources and services during each of Siena’s four home basketball contests during the month of December.
The series will be highlighted by the first conference games of the season when the Siena Men host Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) rivals Niagara and Canisius on Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. at MVP Arena.
The series will kick off on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2 when the Siena Women host New Haven at UHY Center at 6 p.m. and will conclude on Monday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. when the Saints welcome Central Connecticut State.
All fans who donate to Catholic Charities at either Men’s contest will receive a special voucher for a $12.25 ticket to a future Siena Men’s game during the 2025-’26 regular season, while those who donate at either of the two Siena Women’s matchups will receive a souvenir Siena pennant, while supplies last.
“We are proud to support such an instrumental organization that aligns with our values as a Franciscan institution,” said Siena Vice President and Director of Athletics John D’Argenio. “The work that Catholic Charities does provides a lasting impact year-round, but perhaps never more so than during the holiday season and ensuing winter months.”
Established in 1917 as a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Albany, Catholic Charities helps an estimated 77,000 people each year across the 14 local counties that it serves. 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 University Athletics for uniting in favor of a common cause and for bringing additional awareness to the work we do to support those in need,” said Catholic Charities Chief Executive Officer Sister Betsy Van Deusen. “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. Go Saints!”
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.
