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APRIL 2017 ◆ 29 EVENT RECAPS VAF STAFF UPDATES After a 12-year career in development with the Virginia Athletics Founda- tion, Mr. Peter Kilburn retired on Jan. 31. He was an extraordinary representa- tive and integral member of the Foundation staff. He worked with countless donors, traveling thousands of miles and remained steadfast in his support of the University, Virginia Athletics and his co-workers. Jeff Ford joined the Virginia Athletics Foundation staff as an Associate Director on Dec. 5, 2016. He assists with the fundraising efforts for the Annual Fund and with major gift development. His territories include Richmond and Southwest Virginia, Massachusetts, Illinois and Tennessee. Jeff joins the Foundation after 35 years in the hospitality industry. His experience includes almost 30 years heading up the group sales and service efforts at The Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va., and five years as Director of Sales and Marketing at Glade Springs Resort in Beckley, W.Va. He and his wife Christie have four grown children Jerry, Jailyn, Jordan and Jonah. Aimee Chapdelaine joined the VAF staff in January 2017 as an annual giv- ing assistant. She will be involved in all aspects of athletics fundraising with a focus on Virginia's student-athlete alumni (Cavaliers for Life). A native of Pembroke Pines, Fla., she earned her BA in History and a minor in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia in 2016. She was a member of the UVA women's softball team during her time on Grounds. During her fourth-year, she was the Cavaliers for Life intern at the Virginia Athletics Foundation. Aimee is currently pursuing her Masters in Higher Education from the Curry School of Education. She comes to us after interning at the UVA Football Recruiting office. 2017 STEP UP TO THE PLATE Nearly 1,000 donors, fans and Friends Of Virginia Baseball gathered at John Paul Jones Arena on Jan. 28 to celebrate Virginia baseball and build excitement for the 2017 season. Guests enjoyed mingling with their favorite players, having memora- bilia autographed by players and visiting with other fans. Dinner was in true baseball style with typical game-day fare. There were silent and live auctions and a photo booth with baseball gear for fun photos. Channing Poole, Virginia baseball radio announcer, was the emcee for the evening. Head coach Brian O'Connor addressed the crowd, thanking them for their time and generosity in support of Virginia baseball. The sold-out evening raised over $50,000 in auction revenue and ticket sales in support of the team's operational budget. After dinner, Virginia baseball alumnus and cur- rent Major League Baseball player Tyler Wilson shared how the program impacted him and why he feels it's important to give back. The evening's headliner was Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith who re- marked how impressed he was by the program and how baseball helped shape his life. Thank you to everyone who supports the annual Step Up to the Plate event and Virginia baseball. ABOVE: Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith shared with the crowd how baseball helped shape his life. LEFT: Proceeds from the silent auction help support the University of Virginia baseball program. 2017 SPRING SOCIAL TOUR Roanoke — Wednesday, April 12 Arlington Social — Tuesday, April 18 Downtown D.C. Social — Wednesday, April 19 Lynchburg Social — Wednesday, April 26 Atlanta, Ga., Social — Monday, May 1 Virginia Beach — Tuesday, May 2 Winchester Social — Thursday, May 11 Greenwich, Conn., Social — Thursday, May 18 Richmond Social — Monday, May 22 Charlotte, N.C., Social — Tuesday, May 23 Staunton Social — Wednesday, May 24 Fredericksburg Social — Tuesday, May 30 Your donation to the Virginia athletics Foundation, no matter how big or small, is significant to the Virginia Athletics programs. To make your pledge or donation, visit VirginiaAthleticsFoundation.com or call (800) 626-8723.