The Hobart and William Smith  Athletics Day of Donors (ADOD)—an annual fundraising competition that pits teams against one another to raise money for their programs—returns on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at noon and runs through noon on Thursday, Feb. 23. A favorite event among alums, parents, coaches and student-athletes, the Herons and Statesmen will pursue fundraising and donor goals during the 24-hour challenge.
 
Each of the Colleges' 29 varsity teams as well as the sports medicine and strength and conditioning programs will have a fundraising goal for the day. The Caird Challenge will reward the top three William Smith teams and the top three Hobart teams in terms of the percentage of dollar goal met (up to and beyond 100%) with additional money for their programs. There will also be bonus prizes for teams that meet their donor goal and for the teams that create the best videos in support of their fundraising efforts.
 
"Last year's ADOD was a record-breaking effort," says Brian Miller, associate vice president and director of athletics and recreation. "The generous loyalty of the Cairds and so many other dedicated alums, families and supporters continue to inspire our entire department. We're fired up for another great fundraising day in support of the Statesmen and Herons student-athletes."
 
Cynthia L. Caird L.H.D. '12 is again generously funding the Caird Challenge, putting $25,000 in bonus cash for Hobart and William Smith athletic teams up for grabs. The long-time philanthropy of Cindy and her late husband, Jim Caird '56, L.H.D. '12, includes Caird Hall, a residence hall located on Emerson Hill overlooking the Caird Center for Sports and Recreation, which includes Urick Stadium, the Poole Family Sports Dome, Bristol Field House and William Smith Field.
 
The link to the ADOD giving page will be posted on HWSAthletics.com when the event begins. The link will also be shared via email and across HWS' social media channels.
 
At noon on Wednesday, HWS will go live with streaming video from campus providing interviews with coaches and student-athletes and shoutouts to donors throughout the afternoon. Then at 11 a.m. on Thursday, a second live stream will feature more interviews, student-athlete leaders and updates on the ADOD leaderboards.