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8 CAVALIER CORNER cavalier sports E ach year, the Virginia Athletics Founda- tion (VAF) honors its donors who reach their 40th and 50th consecutive years of giving to the Foundation since giving his- tories were first recorded in 1971. Donors reaching these milestones have been loyal and longtime supporters of the student-ath- letes and coaches who represent the Uni- versity of Virginia and its athletics programs. This year, the VAF was thrilled to host the event on Friday, Sept. 2, at the John Paul Jones Arena. Due to restrictions on in-person gatherings for the past two years because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year's event was a large fête to recognize three 40-year classes and two first-ever 50-year classes during the evening. Listed below are the milestones honored during the evening: 40-YEAR MILESTONES 40-year reached in 2019: 61 donors 40-year reached in 2020: 54 donors 40-year reached in 2021: 55 donors 50-YEAR MILESTONES 50-year reached in 2020: 183 donors 50-year reached in 2021: 44 donors The dinner program started with a sur- prise appearance by the Virginia Gentlemen, who performed classic songs and a grand finale with the 300 guests swaying to the "Good Old Song." Guests also enjoyed a highlight video of memorable moments in the history of Virginia Athletics spanning the donors' years of giving. wahoo nation VAF 40- & 50-Year Milestone Dinner The first-ever group of 50-year milestone donors, the Class of 2020, poses for a photo after being inducted into the newly established Sabre Society. (Photos by Kibler Photography/courtesy UVA) The Virginia Gentlemen made a surprise appearance during the evening to perform several classics before ending with a finale of the "Good Old Song." Ty Grove, the vendor who helped the VAF secure a sabre keepsake to honor the 50-year donors, joined Katstra on stage to open champagne with the sabre.