Oct. 10, 2007 — University of Virginia employees can support their favorite charities by participating in the 2007 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign. Administered by U.Va.’s Community Relations Office, the campaign is a workplace-giving program that allows state employees to designate financial gifts to any of nearly 1,400 participating charities in several categories, including health and human services, animal welfare, environmental conservation and medical research.
 
This year’s campaign theme, “Giving Hope,” focuses attention on those who benefit from the generosity of state employees. The 2007 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign kicks off at U.Va. on Oct. 15.
 
For the second consecutive year, University employees can use their computing ID and NetBadge password to donate online through payroll deduction at www.virginia.edu/cvc. It’s a fast, easy and secure way for University employees to support the causes that matter most to them.
 
Larry Sabato, University Professor and director of U.Va.'s Center for Politics, is the University campaign's 2007 honorary chair. A video message from Sabato is available on the campaign Web site.

U.Va. employees have a long tradition of leading the state in giving. Last year, they donated a record $815,000 to approximately 400 charities, the bulk of which are in our local area. By returning their red envelopes, U.Va. employees can continue this tradition, and give hope to those who need it most.

For the first time this year, employees can give to a newly created Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund, designed to help state employees experiencing financial trouble. Employees who face unexpected bills due to illness, car repairs or storm damage, for example, will be able to apply to the fund for grants — not loans — ranging from $500-$1,000 to help them through hard times.  State officials hope the grant process will begin in January.

Employees can give to the fund by designating their donation to CVC # 3040. 
 
For information, e-mail uvacvc@virginia.edu.