Feb. 27, 2007 -- U.Va. employees contributed a record $813,125 to help others through the 2006 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign. Held each fall, the CVC is a workplace-giving program that allows state employees to give to charities of their choice. The amount given by employees surpassed U.Va.’s goal of $650,000 and represents approximately one-fifth of the statewide CVC total, more than any other state agency. Statewide, employees gave $4.2 million to charities.

Highlights of U.Va.’s 2006 campaign included a new online giving form, swipe card donations in the Health System and a special lunch event with Larry Sabato, director of the Center for Politics and 2006 honorary CVC chair.

In recognition of the dedicated employees who engage in service, U.Va’s Community Relations Office hosted the Celebration of Community Spirit Volunteer Luncheon on Feb. 27. The event honored employees’ commitment to the community through the CVC, the United Way Laurence E. Richardson Day of Caring and other acts of service.

Addressing the luncheon, Sabato said that serving as honorary chair of the CVC campaign had been a positive experience for him because “there are so many great causes that people had the opportunity to support all across the state and in the community. It’s wonderful for all of us to realize that U.Va. employee donations are No. 1 in the state.”

Sabato cited three examples of organizations that have benefitted from the University’s support of the campaign. He noted that the total support to the Charlottesville Free Clinic has received through the CVC is the largest gift the organization has ever received and that the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA relies on CVC donations to fund its day-to-day operations. In addition, he noted that, through the CVC, one of the University’s major community partners, the United Way-Thomas Jefferson Area, can reach thousands who might not otherwise receive the help they need.

“There are dozens and dozens of organizations that count on your contributions, and U.Va. is coming through this year as it has in year’s past,” Sabato said.

In 2006, nearly 400 employees University-wide volunteered to promote and deliver campaign materials. “Without a doubt, it’s the CVC volunteers who make this workplace-giving campaign a success,” said CVC administrator Bruce Vlk of U.Va.’s Community Relations Office, which oversees the campaign. The award recipients’ names will be listed on the CVC Web site (www.virginia.edu/cvc/) following the luncheon, Vlk noted.

On Feb. 28, the University will be recognized at the statewide CVC awards ceremony in Richmond. The U.Va. team will receive the Award of Excellence for leading the state in giving. The University also will receive the Gold Award and a special creativity award for the Health System’s marketing contributions. Representatives from a cross section of U.Va. departments will be on hand to accept the awards.

The CVC at U.Va. has experienced significant growth, setting new records each year for number of participating employees and amount contributed. Since 1999, U.Va. employees have contributed nearly $4.8 million to charities through the CVC.

Anne Dinterman, state CVC coordinator said, “The University of Virginia sets the bar for other agencies. Teamwork and a passion for giving are hallmarks of the workplace-giving program at U.Va.”