VCU and VCUHS Commonwealth of Virginia campaign extends to Dec. 10

By Michael Ford
University News Services

The state director for the 2002 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign has officially extended this year's campaign until Dec. 10.

The CVC is the annual giving program that encourages Virginia state government employees and others to contribute to humanitarian, environmental, and health and human service charities. Nov. 30 was supposed to mark the official end of the campaign, which began on Oct.1

Organizers of the Virginia Commonwealth University and the VCU Health System combined campaign are hopeful the 10 extra days will result in additional donations by employees who have not yet returned pledge cards.

"This is a wonderful second chance for any employees who haven't returned their pledge cards, but want to make contributions," said Linda Z. Tillman, coordinator, reward and recognition programs in the human resource division and VCU CVC co-chair. "It only takes a few minutes and a contribution in any amount makes a difference."

Last year, employees from both VCU campuses contributed a record $336,134, earning VCU the state's Silver Award for the first time. The Silver Award recognized state agencies with more than 600 employees that recorded at least 25 percent participation and an average contribution of at least $115. The average VCU employee donation last year was $170.

VCU and VCUHS employees with questions about filling out pledge cards should contact their campaign associates, any of the 200 CVC trained employees who have direct contact with co-workers and provide answers about pledge cards, directories and charities.

According to state CVC guidelines, 100 percent of contributions designated for a specific charity, goes to that charity.

As of Dec. 2, the VCU and VCUHS CVC had received 918 gifts, for a total of $156,648.

Additional information about the VCU CVC may be found online at www.vcu.edu/cvc.