Sigma Chi - University of Virginia

www.psiofsigmachi.com The active Brothers, led by Consuls Conor Kelly '17 and Rob Raiola '18, showed great patience and supported the project work as Bret managed to safely excavate and haul away many cubic yards of red clay from the side yard to dig the foundation for the new structure and basement space. The Brothers used the ongoing construction as a feature to enhance Rush. Organizing "hardhat" tours of the under construction new addition and handing out renderings of the completed project, they added 25 new members in a large pledge class. On April 28, 2017, over 100 Brothers and guests filled the new Donlan-Kirwin Memorial Chapter room for its formal dedication. The fall 2017 edition of The Constantine Sig appropriately credited the generosity of the Donlan and the Kirwin families, along with many Brothers who knew Rick Donlan '68 and Glenn Kirwin '82, for providing lead gifts and major funding to build Phase 1. A similar fundraising campaign by the friends of Jim Evans '77 resulted in major support for the Jim Evans Memorial Terrace, which will be dedicated in a ceremony at 608 this fall. During 2018, Jim Mallon '83 joined the Building Committee as it worked with architects to refine the plans for Phase 2 to renovate and expand the original interior of 608. Elements of Phase 2 included a new kitchen and dining facility, six new bedrooms, whole house HVAC, and two new bathrooms. A new driveway and parking lot, a bike storage shed, and new privacy fencing were also included. Soliciting a general contractor was also part of the task. At its October 2018 meeting, the House Corporation Board of Directors approved a recommendation from the Building Committee to hire Martin Horn, a large Charlottesville construction company, to build Phase 2. The City approved the plans for Phase 2 in the fall of 2019 and construction began in the summer of 2020. It required special attention and strict adherence to COVID-19 requirements. With the assistance of the general contractor and regular oversight by the Board of Directors, the project was delivered without incident. It has been well used and enjoyed by the 18 Brothers who lived in 608 this past COVID-19 academic year. As things return to normal in Charlottesville in the coming new academic year, a restored 608 will be back in service. In Hoc, Steve Herbert '68 Director, Psi of Sigma Chi House Corporation r.s.herbert@hotmail.com W e did it! As a result of the generosity of donors and the hard work of a dedicated group of Psis, on February 17, 2021, we reached the Capital Campaign's original, and many thought overly ambitious, goal to raise $2 million. As of June 8, 2021, we have 279 donors, $2,002,817 pledged, with $1,743,888.98 or 87% already collected. Incredible in some ways, the outpouring of generosity is heartening and exceedingly gratifying in every way. In 2010, it was estimated that we would need $3.1 million for the renovation and the Board of Directors realized the need for fundraising expertise. Pennington & Company, a recognized leader in fraternity and sorority fundraising, was eventually selected to conduct a fundraising feasibility study, which they completed in 2013. After months of contacting and surveying Psi alumni, Pennington concluded the most we would likely be able to raise was $750,000. Pennington's 2013 feasibility study provided donor target lists to use as a springboard for the fundraising effort, and the inception of the campaign's "quiet phase" began in earnest. This phase, led by Steve Herbert '68, was conducted in 2014 and 2015. Steve and Bret Holden '83 then embarked on a number of trips to personally solicit key donors. This included group luncheons and dinners in Hampton, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; and Northern Virginia. Additionally, the team traveled to New York City; Atlanta, Georgia; and California. Countless individual solicitation calls were made by Steve during this period. The fall 2014 issue of Constantine Sig was the first time the anticipated House renovation was mentioned to a broader crowd. At the March 21, 2015, BOD meeting, the BOD approved the official launch of the Capital Campaign. Pennington & Co. was retained to help manage the fundraising effort and a Capital Campaign Committee was established. By the end of the quiet phase, 91 donors had pledged more than $1 million. In the summer of 2015, the BOD formally announced the kickoff of the $2 million Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future Capital Campaign. Steve and Bret were identified as the Campaign's (Continued on page 9) MISSION ACCOMPLISHED $2 Million Fundraising Goal Achieved 3

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