University of Virginia Community Joins Hands to Volunteer on Make a Difference Day, Oct. 28

October 26, 2000 -- More than 2,000 members of the University of Virginia community are expected to top last year's volunteer efforts, pulling from 40 student organizations, University departments and offices to spend the week — from Saturday, Oct. 28 through Saturday, Nov 4 -- volunteering in a multitude of projects that will benefit the Charlottesville/Albemarle communities. Students, professors and administrators are coming together to:

• sponsor a cancer benefit dinner honoring State Senator Emily Couric;
• participate in a "Job Interview Clothes" drive;
• collect canned goods;
• visit nursing homes;
• run school carnivals and Halloween parties;
• coach youth soccer;
• organize a Wal-Mart toy run for underprivileged children;
• and much more!

Make a Difference Day is a national day of volunteerism that has inspired 2 million people in corporations, government and charitable organizations all over the country to help "make a difference" in the lives of 22 million people. The event is cosponsored by The Points of Lights Foundation and USA Weekend magazine along with a number of celebrities, including Reba McEntire, Justin Timberlake, Doug Flutie, and Paul Newman.

U.Va. became involved during fall 1998, bringing together so many students, faculty and staff that the effort drew national media attention. Last year, Paul Newman, the Points of Light Foundation and USA Weekend recognized Make a Difference Day at U.Va. as one of the top 10 in the country.

This year, Phil Gates, athletic lifeskills coordinator at U.Va., will be assembling the largest number of sports teams ever involved in a single-service project.

Curt Hall, president of U.Va.’s Make a Difference Day committee, says, "Make a Difference Day looks to provide service opportunities to students who would not normally participate in such efforts. This year we are excited to have the widest array ever of student groups on grounds participating."

A T-shirt designed by Tashaeda Morton, a 13-year-old Charlottesville student-artist, will be given to each volunteer as a reminder of his or her involvement. A quote by fellow Charlottesville student Kenny Beachum, 10, supplies the final touch on the T-shirts: "The smallest things can make a big difference. How are you going to plant your seeds?"

Student Contacts: Kelly LeBrun-Yakeley, (804) 971-8027 and Curt Hall (804) 243-1121

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: please contact the Office of University Relations at (804) 924-7116. Television reporters should contact the TV News Office at (804) 924-7550.
SOURCE: U.Va. News Services

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Last Modified: Friday, 27-Oct-2000 09:38:10 EDT
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