How the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign Makes a Difference for the SPCA

November 9, 2021 • By Tim Robinson, timrobinson@virginia.edu Tim Robinson, timrobinson@virginia.edu

November 9, 2021
Dog from the Charlottesville SPACA being petted by a person

The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA is a no-kill shelter that also provides low-cost, high-quality veterinary care to pets owned by low-income families. (Photo by Mitchell Powers, University Communications)

The 2021 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign is underway and University of Virginia employees have once again demonstrated both their generosity and willingness to make an impact in the local community.

Since the campaign launched in early October, more than 600 UVA employees have donated more than $300,000 to a wide range of nonprofits. Among the charities receiving donations from UVA employees, all of the top 10 support the local Charlottesville community. To date, employees from every school and a considerable number of units from both UVA Health and the broader University have participated.

While many UVA employees have given, the need among local nonprofits has never been greater. The pandemic placed significant strain on community organizations, as demand for services increased and funding decreased. Even as some aspects of life return to normal, however, many nonprofits in Charlottesville continue to struggle after almost two years of financial hardship.

One such community nonprofit, the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, weathered a range of challenges during the pandemic. According to Angie Gunter, the organization’s CEO, these obstacles included everything from cancelling events and fundraisers to briefly closing the SPCA Rummage Store, an important source of funding for the organization.

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Gunter also noted that a host of new difficulties have recently arisen.

“2021 has brought a new set of challenges. We are seeing a greater need for public assistance in our community,” she said. “We have always been proud to provide lost-cost, high-quality veterinary care to pets owned by low-income families. In 2020, we [offered] seven Compassionate Care Clinics to the public. This year, we’ve increased our Compassionate Care Clinics to 24 in order to meet the need we see.”

Making a donation via the CVC will help ensure that the CASPCA continues to provide life-saving services and care. Take a look at the video below to see how your donation through the CVC can make a difference for the CASPCA, as well as in the local community.

Meet the Cats and Dogs Your CVC Donation Supports

Video: Meet the Cats and Dogs Your CVC Donation Supports

In addition to expanding their Compassionate Care Clinics, the CASPCA continues to provide support and services across a large area. Gunter noted that while the CASPCA is recognized as a private animal shelter, it also serves as the contracted public animal shelter for both Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville.

While the last two years have proven difficult, Gunter and the SPCA remain optimistic and have already begun planning for the future with an eye toward expanding their services. Donations to the CVC will provide a significant boost to these community-focused efforts.

“In 2022, we will be offering three Compassionate Care Clinics a month, for a total of 36 clinics, in order to help those in need with low-cost, high-quality veterinary care,” she said. “We will be putting an emphasis on retention services such as behavioral support in addition to … continuing to expand access to affordable veterinary care.”

University Communications member raking pebbles to get out weeds. Left to right: Dave Martel, Terrance Henderson, Jonelle Kinback

UVA employees recently volunteered at the SPCA as part of the annual Day of Caring. Employees now have an opportunity to continue helping the SPCA via the annual Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign. (Photo by Brooke Bailey, University Communications)

With the support of the local community and initiatives such as the CVC, Gunter also emphasized that the CASCPA remains dedicated to their overall mission.

“We are committed to saving all healthy and treatable animals in our care, regardless of how long they’ve been with us,” she said. “We are a progressive, solution-oriented animal welfare organization dedicated to saving lives.”

The CVC makes giving as easy and seamless as possible. UVA employees can follow the steps below and donate to multiple nonprofits in just a few clicks. Employees can opt to donate via credit card or can sign up for payroll deduction and make gifts directly from their paychecks. Payroll deduction can also be used to set up recurring gifts over the course of the coming year.

How to donate through the CVC:

  1. Visit cvc.virginia.edu.
  2. Designate any amount to one or more of over 50 nonprofits in Charlottesville, or select from the 900 total participating nonprofits from across the commonwealth.
  3. Choose to give via payroll deduction or credit card.

Media Contact

Tim Robinson

Marketing Associate University Communications

Article Information

December 8, 2023

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