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If generosity were a sport, the University of Virginia would be ranked No. 1 in the state, a position it has held for the past 24 years. University leaders hope to extend that streak to 25 this year and they are seeking the help of every UVA employee to make it happen.

Today marks the kickoff of the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign, or CVC. It is among the best opportunities for UVA employees to support the nonprofits doing important work in the Charlottesville area and across the state. In the past 24 years, UVA employees have raised $18 million, surpassing not only every Virginia college and university, but all state agencies.

“This fundraising campaign represents so much of who we are and what we do,” said Jennifer “J.J.” Wagner Davis, the 2022 inaugural honorary CVC co-chair and the University’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “A key aspiration of UVA’s Great and Good strategic plan is to support our neighbors and support our communities. This campaign gives us yet another opportunity to walk the talk.”

The CVC supports more than 80 far-reaching nonprofits in our local region and more than 800 across the state.

“There is a critical, ongoing need to support local charities that help our neighbors. These last challenging years make the CVC’s assistance even more critical now,” said Kevin G. McDonald, CVC’s co-chair and UVA’s vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion and community partnerships. “These charities provide food, shelter, health care and programs for youth, among many other important missions. This is our chance to help those who help so many others.”

Many UVA employees already contribute to favorite charities, but Davis said the CVC campaign maximizes the generosity by distributing the money in a larger lump sum, to make a bigger impact.

“Because the CVC works with so many charities, here in our region and across the state, it’s likely your favorite charity is already a part of this campaign, and by giving through this effort, you can make a bigger difference,” she said.

“We have simplified the process for all of our employees to make giving as easy as possible,” Davis said. UVA employees can use their computing ID on a streamlined pledge form to give either through payroll deduction or by credit card.

Employees of UVA-affiliated organizations and student groups may also participate by making a gift to any CVC charity and submitting that receipt through a separate form that gives UVA credit for the donations.

A new addition this year: As part of a partnership between UVA and Boar’s Head Resort, beginning in mid-October, patrons who purchase tickets to Boar’s Head Winter Wander holiday lights walking tour will have the ability to add a donation to CVC to their ticket purchase.

“Literally, every dollar counts,” Davis said. “Every gift is very much appreciated, and it will only take a few moments to make a tangible positive impact on our community.”

The last day to arrange for payroll contributions that count toward this year’s campaign is Dec. 19.

“We have an opportunity to make our community stronger and more vibrant by supporting our neighbors in need,” Davis said. “Please join me in contributing to this important effort.”

For questions about UVA’s CVC campaign, email cvcquestions@virginia.edu.