Natalie Tallis was never a volunteer at Madison House, but, as both a mother and wife to Madison House volunteers, she has become one of the House’s most dedicated supporters. 

“When my daughter was a first-year, she would call each time after volunteering with Madison House,” Natalie recalls. “It was the only time I knew that I would hear from her, and she wouldn’t just talk about school.”

After hearing so much about Madison House from her daughter, Natalie discovered that her husband had volunteered with Madison House during his time at UVA. This led her to look more deeply into the House, and, subsequently, make a gift.

“We decided to make a donation to Madison House because the more we heard from our daughter, the more we realized that there was a real need to keep these programs going,” Natalie says. “Charlottesville is a beautiful town and it’s very special, but there is a lot of need here. Madison House provides the bridge between UVA and the community.”

Since making her first gift, Natalie has become increasingly more involved with Madison House. She now serves on the Campaign Committee, working for the long-term sustainability of the House.

Natalie believes that service is an integral part of the UVA experience, and through Madison House “students have the opportunity to get out of the University bubble and give back to the community.”

Linking the University and the community has always been a shared goal of Madison House and the University of Virginia. “I’m thrilled to see that UVA President Jim Ryan is placing an emphasis on community support with the University’s Honor the Future capital campaign,” Natalie said.

Donating to Madison House is crucial because it is the vehicle of volunteer work and leadership development for students. “Although Madison House is the hub of volunteerism for the University, it is an independent center that does not receive financing from the UVA budget,” Natalie emphasizes. “Madison House is an integral part of the University’s commitment to Charlottesville. I encourage others to join me in supporting Madison House this year.”

Author: Brady Holbrook; bgh7wen@virginia.edu

Know a Madison House volunteer or alumni we should spotlight? Nominate a friend!