Milestone Donor Recognition

The weekend celebration includes a Milestone Dinner and recognition during a football game. To date, 1,116 VAF donors have reached their 40-year milestone, and 301 donors have reached their 50-year milestone, many of whom gave for years before giving histories were officially recorded. These VAF members have been loyal supporters of the student-athletes and coaches who represent the University of Virginia and its athletics program. The Foundation is grateful for their extraordinary loyalty.

The VAF is thrilled to host an annual event around a fall home football game to recognize 40th and 50th consecutive giving anniversaries reached the previous year. The weekend includes a formal dinner and an on-field recognition during the football game. 40-year donors receive 150 lifetime priority points added to their VAF accounts and a glass clock etched with the 40-year anniversary mark to represent their longtime contributions. 50-year donors become members of VAF’s Golden Sabre Society, receive 200 lifetime priority points added to their VAF accounts and a medieval champagne sabre with the 50-year mark embossed on a keepsake wooden box. Using a champagne sabre to kick off celebrations is a growing trend known as Sabrage and originated with the Cavaliers in the 1700s. After winning a battle, the Cavaliers celebrated with champagne and used their sabres to pop the cork and toast victory.