WORCESTER, Mass. – A record-setting 2,760 donors contributed a total of $1,056,819 to the Crusader Athletics Fund (CAF) as part of Holy Cross' Athletics Giving Day on April 28 and 29, shattering the department's previous records for both donors (2,355 in FY22) and dollars ($667,000 in FY22) on its annual giving day.
As a result of Athletics Giving Day, six teams surpassed their annual fundraising goals for the fiscal year, which ends on June 30, and 58 percent of current parents of student-athletes and 31 percent of alumni student-athletes have made a gift this year. Additionally, 93 donors supported the newest giving designation for Women's Athletics.
"Such an accomplishment would not be possible without the teamwork and alignment of every single person who gave their time, effort and resources to this year's momentous Giving Day," said Kit Hughes, Associate Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. "A special thank you to Cara Abraham for leading the charge to organize such a successful day, and also to Doug and Julie Baker for their unrestricted and inspirational support of the Crusader Athletics Fund. To each and every donor who has bought into our vision of comprehensive and sustainable excellence: Thank you for showing what is possible when we strive and believe together."
Additionally, the following teams won individual challenges:
$15,000 to the team with the highest percentage of alumni giving - Men's Ice Hockey
$7,500 to the team with the highest percentage of parent giving - Volleyball
$2,500 to the team with the highest number of unique, individual donors - Football
"A sincere thank you to Doug and Julie Baker for their leadership and all who offered a match or challenge, which motivated over 2,700 donors to support our student-athletes and teams on this day," said Cara Abraham, director of CAF and Athletics Fundraising. "The leadership of our loyal supporters and the commitment from all who made a gift is truly inspiring. This important day positions CAF for a record-breaking fundraising year as we work toward raising the remaining $750,000 by June 30 to reach our goal of $3 million."
If you missed the opportunity to support Holy Cross Athletics during Athletics Giving Day, you can support the Crusaders' annual fundraising goals by making your gift prior to June 30.
ABOUT HOLY CROSS ATHLETICS
Holy Cross boasts 27 NCAA Division I teams as members of the Patriot League, Atlantic Hockey Association and the Women's Hockey East Association. Holy Cross' athletic teams are tied for sixth in the nation with an overall graduation rate of 98 percent, the 16th consecutive year at 97 percent or higher.
ABOUT HOLY CROSS
The College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Massachusetts — the second-largest city in New England — is among the nation's leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,100 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition, and is one of only 85 colleges in America that meets 100% of students' demonstrated financial need. Holy Cross has made a positive impact in society since its founding in 1843 by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional and civic life.
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