The Virginia Athletics Foundation, along with members of the U.Va. coaching staffs and student-athletes, visited with donors in 14 cities during its annual spring social tour. More than 1,600 donors from districts across the Commonwealth and the cities of Charlotte and Atlanta came out to show their support.

This year’s social season introduced the Referred New Member Contest. The contest encouraged current donors to bring new fans to the socials who, ultimately, might become the Foundation’s newest members. If the non-member made a VAF pledge by June 1, the current donor was offered a chance to win a price package which included two VAF suite tickets and an on-field pass for kickoff to a 2011 home football game of choice, two courtside seat tickets and courtside club passes for a 2011-12 men’s basketball home game of choice and a Davenport Club suite for a 2012 home baseball game of choice. Non-members who made a pledge at the event received a special U.Va. autographed item. The winner of the Contest will be announced June 13.

Also new and a special treat for this year’s social guests was having a donor from their community serving as co-emcee. Special thanks to John Austin, Billy Chorey, Tom Fowlkes, Frank Gencarelli, John Goodloe, Rick Landes, Richard Litton, Ian Rogul and Johnny Siewers for providing testimonials on their personal experience and why supporting U.Va. Athletics is important to them.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to the donors below who co-hosted some of our events.

Fred & Martha Assaf and Dave & Kim Helfgott–Atlanta

Roger Emory and Marvin Gilliam–Bristol

Wellford & Ann Tabor and Dean & Anne Carter Smith–Charlotte

Frank and Nancy Gencarelli–Lynchburg

Rick and Laurie Landes–Staunton

John and Gayle Goodloe–Winchester

The Foundation is grateful for your continuous loyal support, which makes it possible for us to highlight the successes that you help cultivate through your time, donations and enthusiasm. If you would like to share any suggestions or thoughts for the 2012 Spring Social Tour, please email your comments to vafevents@virginia.edu.