The 2006 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign, a state workplace-driven charity giving program, begins at the University today. The University has led the state in charitable giving in the campaign for more than 10 years.
"CVC is an annual fund drive that allows employees of the state to give to charities of their choice," said CVC Co-chair Ida Lee Wootten, director of community relations.
Last year, over 20,000 state employees donated a record $4.4 million. The University provided the most funds with a donation of $694,647. This year's goal for the University is $650,000.
"We want to break the current record ... as good as it is, we want to do better," said Politics Prof. Larry Sabato, the University's 2006 CVC honorary chair.
As honorary chair, Sabato will be attending several events throughout the campaign's October and November run. "My focus is making sure that the University of Virginia does its fair share and does more than it's ever done before with the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign," Sabato said. "I can guarantee we'll beat last year's record."
He will speak to many faculty members and other employees to encourage full participation. While the program is completely voluntary, complete participation is one of Sabato's main goals.
"Everyone can give something," Sabato said.
Since the program's start in 1997, CVC has raised over $25 million.
According to Wootten, donors can choose from more than 1,400 charities.
"It is easy for employees to find charities that provide the services, promote their causes, or match their interests," Wootten said. "Through the CVC, I can support national, regional and local charities on one pledge card."
Last year, the University's employees donated to over 400 groups, many of which are locally based.
At the University, 80 percent of those who donate do so through payroll deduction. Now employees can choose to do so online.
A video of Sabato is currently on the the University's CVC Web site along with a message from President John Casteen.
"Our combined efforts will again illustrate the University's commitment to make a lasting difference in our state and in the world," Casteen wrote.
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