Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/774732
BILLY HUNT 40-YEAR MILESTONE DINNER Guest speakers Billy Hunt, Dirk Katstra and Tony Bennett B illy Hunt began, "I'm here tonight to talk to you about a 40-year hab- it," as he addressed a crowd of 62 donors joining him at the 40-Year Milestone Dinner, which recognizes VAF donors who have contributed to the Virginia Athletics Foundation consecutively for 40 years. "Other than my church," he said, "the Virginia Athletics Foundation is the only organization that I have sup- ported so consistently for such a long period of time." When elaborating as to why he and his wife Archer have been involved for so long, he mentioned that at first glance many think it must be the benefits, re- ferring to the access to tickets and park- ing. However, with a smile, he noted, "Over the last 40 years there have been times when success on the field or court proved elusive for the Cavaliers so tick- ets and parking could not be the draw. What has kept us coming back year aer year is the opportunity to support such high-caliber student-athletes." In 40 years, Billy said, "Virginia's commit- ment to recruiting, developing and gradu- ating excellent student-athletes has never wavered." Referencing a few individuals in the crowd, he remarked, "Archer and I have enjoyed watching student-athletes graduate from Virginia and become leaders in their communities, successful in their careers and dedicated husbands, wives and parents." It is the Hunts' commitment to helping these student-athletes succeed that has kept them involved for four decades. As Billy neared the end of his official com- ments for the night, he returned to the idea that supporting and enjoying Virginia Athletics has become a bit of a habit. From LOU AND DENNIS DELLINGER 40-Year Milestone Donors Celebrating 40 years e Virginia Athletics Foundation honors each of its donors who reach their 40th consecutive year of giving to the Foundation. Donor giving histories have been officially recorded since 1971, with the first donors reaching their 40th consecutive year of giving in 2010. e weekend celebration includes a 40-Year Milestone Dinner and on-field recognition during a football game. ere are 578 VAF members who have reached this milestone, many of whom gave for years before giving histories were officially recorded. the crowd, Athletics Director Craig Littlepage wondered aloud if perhaps addiction might be a more fitting de- scription. Billy agreed, "An addiction to supporting Virginia's student-athletes is not one the Hunts plan to shake anytime soon." 2017 VAF GUIDE TO GIVING / 17