President Sullivan Declares Dec. 2 'CVC Day' at U.Va.

November 22, 2011 — University of Virginia President Teresa A. Sullivan has declared Dec. 2 to be "CVC Day" on Grounds to encourage employees to use the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign to support their favorite charities.

The CVC, an annual workplace-giving program that enables state employees to help address needs in such areas as health and human services, animal welfare and environmental causes, runs through Dec. 16 at U.Va.

Campaign leaders representing vice presidential units across Grounds will promote CVC Day and the president's declaration in an effort to meet this year's goal of $750,000. To date, employees have given approximately $520,000.

"University of Virginia employees have a long tradition of generous giving to support charitable causes. At the same time, we are aware that tremendous needs still exist here in our home community and across the commonwealth," Sullivan said.

"For nearly 15 years, University employees have led the state in giving to their favorite causes through the CVC. Last year, University employees gave approximately $910,000, nearly double the amount donated by the second largest contributor to the CVC. Since 1999, U.Va. employees have donated nearly $9 million."

Through the CVC, employees can set up convenient payroll deduction or give with a check, credit card or cash using the pledge card delivered in the campaign's signature red envelope. When employees designate their gift for a particular charity, 100 percent of their donation goes to that charity.

Nine of the top 10 designated charities in the statewide CVC serve the Charlottesville region, including the Charlottesville Free Clinic, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, the Charlottesville-Albemarle and Fluvanna SPCAs and the United Way Thomas Jefferson Area.

"The contributions of University employees are vital to the success of the campaign," said Jim Fitzgerald, associate director of community relations, who chairs the CVC at U.Va. "University employee contributions historically account  for nearly 25 percent of the total CVC contributions across the commonwealth."

Sullivan said, "When we work together at U.Va., the sum is greater than its parts. The same holds true for our role in the CVC. Our individual gifts, regardless of size, when coupled with gifts from other individuals across Grounds, offer significant support for charities and their clients – many right here in our area.

"As we approach the season of giving, please take a moment to reflect on how CVC donations create positive and long-lasting change in our community and beyond. I ask that you think about the charities and causes that are important to you, and that you consider supporting them through the CVC."

For information or to pledge online, visit the CVC website for U.Va.

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