Hundreds of University employees were honored for their volunteer work at the "Celebration of Community Spirit" in Newcomb Hall Ballroom yesterday.
The 650 employees raised more than $600,000 for the 2003 United Way Laurence E. Richardson Day of Caring and the 2003 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign.
The University's Community Relations Office sponsored the hour-long event, which also recognized exceptional individual effort.
"We hope you use this reception as a chance to relax and to congratulate each other on our successes," said Ida Lee Wooten, director of the Community Relations Office.
Leonard Sandridge, University executive vice president and chief operating officer, recognized the outstanding efforts of the employees who formed teams within University departments. He said more than 87 departments had 100 percent participation during the campaigns.
"This is one of those moments where it is appropriate to reflect on what we have accomplished," Sandridge said. "This year we had the largest group we have ever had represent the University of Virginia."
The Office for the Senior Vice President of Development and Public Affairs was awarded the University Volunteer Service Award for having the highest participation rate overall. The University Volunteer Spirit Award went to the Medical Center, which had a 535 percent increase in participation from last year.
Antonio Rice, former Dallas Cowboy and current ITC Training Department Manager, was this year's honorary chair of the 2003 campaign. He said being involved in these campaigns was "like being on a championship team." Rice announced a number of awards, including the Hovey Dabney Award, given to the Office of the President for having the largest average gift per area.
Employees who attended the reception said the projects they participated in were meaningful.
"I know I was changed," said Terry Butler, an employee in Procurement Services who described her involvement in a bowling program for disadvantaged youth. "The bonding stays with you forever -- it's pretty cool."
Tim Guthrie of Procurement Services volunteered with members of the Work Service in downtown Charlottesville.
"It's fun to see how they've developed over the years, and they seem to appreciate us coming and spending time with them," Guthrie said.
Wooten closed the reception by awarding the Heart and Soul Award to Becky Bowers of the School of Nursing. Wooten called it "a very aptly-named award," and thanked audience members "for coming to this event which recognizes the power of service."
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