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DECEMBER 2016 ◆ 29 EVENT RECAPS The VAF Member of the Game program recognizes individuals who support the mission of the Virginia Athletics Foundation. Included are donors with a history of loyal support through consecutive years of giving, first-time donors or donors who contribute to the Annual Fund, capital projects, Coaches 10, Friends Of or the VAF endowment. These individu- als receive on-field recognition at the football game, including an appearance on Hoo Vision. Bob and Edie Cabaniss of Richmond, Va., were members of the game for the Pittsburgh game. In Bob's words, "My family and I have attended many athletic events and have countless memories in- cluding the Opening game in University Hall, the first Bowl Game, Ralph Sampson's last game in U-Hall, the first and second ACC Championships, the Final Four in Seattle, the opening game in John Paul Jones Arena, the Sugar Bowl and our Baseball National Championship. Our favorite event was the Florida State football game that we won under the lights at Scott Stadium." Bob said, "The Cabaniss family supports VAF be- cause they help student-athletes. A favorite mo- ment of ours was when Justin Anderson sat in a vacant seat that we had. My wife Edie was very surprised and at first did not recognize him. We all had a great time and sang the Good Old Song a few times. My wife Edie was and is a huge Justin fan. We are extremely proud of our student-athletes and will continue to support the VAF and their mission." J.T. and Valerie Atkins of Bronxville, N.Y., were mem- bers of the game for the Louisville game. According to J.T., nothing will top the Cavaliers' improbable ACC title run in the 1976 ACC Men's Basketball Tour- nament. In addition to Wally Walker, Marc Iavaroni and Billy Langloh playing at a very high level, it was the semifinal game in which his classmate, first year Bobby Stokes, made several crucial foul shots that sealed the game for the 'Hoos. After UVA's amazing win in the finals against Carolina, one of his fraternity brothers went into St. Paul's Church across from the Rotunda and rang the church bells for over an hour. When asked why they support VAF and Virginia Athletics, J.T. remarked, "All of our sons have been student-athletes since a young age and I have seen the close connection between sports, academics and overall well-being. Moreover, the success of student-athletes on the field creates a great sense of community and provides a welcomed and balanced supplement to academic life." The members of the game for the UNC game were the 27 car dealers who generously support Vir- ginia Athletics through the Courtesy Car Program. The 27 dealerships are located in Virginia. Their participation in the program allows us to provide a valuable benefit to our coaches and administra- tors. In return, car dealers receive ticket, parking and advertising benefits for their investment in the Courtesy Car Program. CELEBRATION OF CHAMPIONS 2016 The annual Celebration of Champions weekend was held Oct. 21-22. This special time honors VAF members at the Scholarship Society giving level and those who are Endowment donors. Guests enjoyed dinner Friday evening at The University of Virginia Darden School of Business and were recognized on- field at the Virginia Football game versus North Carolina on Saturday. These donors have invested significantly in University of Virginia student- athletes. Currently 60 out of the 316.6 full scholarships allotted by the NCAA are endowed for Virginia student-athletes and the total endowment has reached $70.6 million. The remaining scholarships are funded through annual giving. Donors had the opportunity to mingle with student-athletes who are this year's recipients of the named scholarships. Speakers included VAF executive director Dirk Katstra and UVA athletics director Craig Littlepage. The evening's keynote speaker was head rowing coach Kevin Sauer, who shared the impact scholarship support has on the success of programs like his. The evening included a student-athlete panel that shared their personal views on the im- portance of scholarships and how their time at UVA has been shaped by such generosity. Dave Koehn, Voice of the Cavaliers, moderated the panel discussion that featured Georgia Ratcliffe (rowing), Morgan Stearns (women's soccer), Hen- rik Wiersholm (men's tennis) and Isaiah Wilkins (men's basketball). Thank you to all VAF Endowment and Scholarship Society donors who support Virginia student-athletes in their quest for excellence on and off the field. Dr. Ross Tucker Thomas visits with members of the women's basketball team (left to right) Aliyah Huland El, Breyana Mason and Lauren Moses. J.T. and Valerie Atkins with J.T.'s sisters Leigh and Hilary Atkins. Bob and Edie Cabaniss joined by members of their family Rob, Katherine, Ellen, Warner, Jay and Suzanne Cabaniss. VAF MEMBERS OF THE GAME Courtesy Car Dealers and family members gathered for on-field recognition at the UNC game. 15th Annual Step Up to the Plate: Benefits the Virginia Baseball Program Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017 • 6 p.m. at John Paul Jones Arena Guest Speaker: Hall of Fame Shortstop Ozzie Smith UPCOMING VAF EVENT