First annual Go Saxons Day of Giving is a success

The Athletics Department raised $142,042 in support of all intercollegiate teams and programs. Of that total, $60,312 came from our distinguished alumni. There were 1,217 total gifts across 1,140 donors. The average donation to Alfred University Athletics was $116.71.
 
The football team raised the most money ($24,485) through 222 gifts. Seven other programs raised over $5,000. Additionally, baseball, football, men's swimming and diving, women's soccer, and Saxon Nation general fund met their respective donor and dollar goal.
 
"We are so grateful for the donors who supported our programs during Go Saxons Day of Giving!" Associate Vice President for Student Experience, Athletics and Recreation Deb Steward said. "These gifts provide an immediate impact on our student-athletes and the challenge dollars were great motivators for everyone who participated. Thank you to our Saxon Nation Board of Directors and donor who provided the challenge funds."
 
All teams were tasked with some friendly competition to assist in raising funds for their respective programs.  A total of $12,000 in challenge funds were on the line for teams. In the “Alumni Athlete Challenge,” the men's swimming & diving program finished with the highest alumni participation with 19 percent of their solicitable alumni making gifts.  Cheerleading finished second with 17 percent and the women's swimming and diving team wrapped up third place with 13 percent of their alumnae making gifts.
 
In the “Friends and Family Challenge,” the baseball program totaled an outstanding 417 percent of friends and family donors in relation to their team roster. Women's basketball finished second with 392 percent and our rugby program earned third place with 372 percent. 
 
During the “Sprint Challenges,” that kicked off at 11 am on March 19, the football program was the first to reach 25 donors, while the baseball team was the first to reach 50 donors. The baseball team also won the one-hour sprint challenge which was held from 7-8 pm.
 
The competition also included three internal challenges. Videos were posted for each program on the giving site. The challenge donors presented the best video award to the women's basketball team. The team focused their fundraising efforts on a team trip and the video featured players virtually in Italy, out west, and in space besides other destinations.
 
Athletic Communications produced the best social media interaction as Director of Athletics Communication Chris Boswell's kick-off (and beard removal) video had 26,215 views, likes, shares, and comments. Football won the most spirited engagement challenge with a total of 46,009 views, likes, and comments through multiple posts.
 
"What an amazing 24 hours to be a Saxon," Vice President for University Advancement Erin Martinovich said. "To see our community of alumni, families, students, faculty, staff, and fans come together to support our student-athletes was humbling and inspiring. Thank you for getting in the game with us, we are tremendously grateful."
 
The Go Saxons Day of Giving was a collaborative effort of a planning committee, athletics, advancement, and marketing and communications staff, the Saxon Nation Board of Directors, and Alfred University student-athletes. 
 
While the competition is over, you can still support our student-athletes by making a gift.