Charity drive surpasses goal

From staff reports

The University community set new standards this year for participation and money pledged to the annual Combined Virginia Campaign, which raises funds for local and state non-profit agencies.

President John T. Casteen III announced Jan. 18 at a luncheon to honor campaign leaders and volunteers that pledges totaled $430,841 as of Jan. 14, with more money still trickling in. The total exceeded the announced goal of $400,300 and the unofficial "stretch" goal of $425,000, he said.

Participation also increased slightly, with 22.3 percent of employees making a pledge, up from 21.7 percent last year.

Several departments were recognized with special awards.

The School of Medicine ended the Vice President and Provost's Office's four-year run as the winner of the Hovey S. Dabney Award, which recognizes the highest average gift. Medical School pledges averaged $287.71 per person.

The University Development Office won the Jean Holliday Award with a participation rate of 91.1 percent. Campaign chair Dolly Prenzel presented a second award to the Department of Athletics, which raised its participation rate from 23.2 percent last year to 74.9 percent this year.

There were also two winners of the Campaign Spirit Award for "demonstrated spirit of giving time, talents and money": the Vice President for Management and Budget's area, cited for its 65 percent participation rate, 49 Day of Caring volunteers and exceeding its fund-raising goal by 20 percent; and the University Health System, which had 94 campaign volunteers and raised more than $45,000.