On Saturday, April 8, members of the UVA and greater Charlottesville communities will come together for The BIG Event — the largest day of community service nationwide for college students. Charlottesville’s version of The BIG Event, organized by Madison House, brings members of the University and local communities together for one day of volunteering.

UVA President Teresa Sullivan will kick off the day of service at 9:40am at John Paul Jones Arena with a short speech on the importance of service, fostering a university community that supports others, and giving back to Charlottesville.

“The BIG Event gives hundreds of UVA student volunteers the opportunity to come together, and show their gratitude for the incredible support of the Charlottesville community,” said The BIG Event Head Program Director and UVA fourth-year Emily Brown, who manages The BIG Event leadership team of 11 students and over 350 volunteers.“We’re thrilled to have President Sullivan with us to kick-off this special day of community-wide, student-led volunteering.”

The BIG Event volunteers will help complete projects at sites throughout Charlottesville that include local churches, nonprofit organizations, and residential homes. UVA student organizations who have volunteered to join Madison House for this day of service include Greek Life, religious organizations, and a wide variety of UVA-affiliated clubs.

“The BIG Event furthers Madison House’s goal of building partnerships with individuals and organizations throughout the area,” said Madison House Executive Director Tim Freilich. “We are proud to bring hundreds of individuals together in a day of service to build relationships and make tangible differences in the community.”

For more information about The BIG Event, please visit www.bigevent.madisonhouse.org.