McDonnell announces ‘Orange and Blue Days’ to aid tornado-relief efforts

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced today a new initiative to help raise funds for Virginians recovering from April’s devastating tornadoes while supporting the University of Virginia baseball team as it competes for a national title in the College World Series in Omaha.

Starting tomorrow, and continuing every weekday in which the UVa team plays in the Series, members of the governor’s staff will participate in “Orange and Blue Days” by dressing in business casual attire featuring the school colors of UVa. In order to participate each staff member is being asked to contribute $4 per day to the Virginia Disaster Relief Fund to support those affected by April tornadoes and severe storms.

During April, at least 30 tornadoes were recorded in Virginia, taking 10 lives, injuring more than 100, destroying 212 homes and damaging more than 1,000. The governor is also asking all state agencies to join in the initiative along with Virginia businesses.

“The Commonwealth is home to so many top-flight college athletic programs. The Virginia Tech Hokies won the ACC in football in 2010; the VCU Rams electrified the Commonwealth with their run to this year’s Final Four; the University of Richmond made a similar run to the Sweet 16; and the University of Virginia just won the 2011 national championship in lacrosse. Now, the Wahoo baseball team, ranked number one in the country, is playing for the national title in Omaha. ‘Orange and Blue Days’ allow us to show our support for these outstanding student athletes while also raising funds and awareness for those in our state who are still rebuilding from the devastating severe storms in April. I’m asking all Rams, Hokies, Dukes, Spiders, Patriots, Monarchs, Captains, Spartans, Trojans and others in state government and throughout the Commonwealth to join the governor’s office in supporting the Wahoos and contributing to this worthy cause,” McDonnell said.

The governor is also encouraging businesses throughout Virginia to participate in “Orange and Blue Days.” Contributions can be made at https://payments.vi.virginia.gov/donatenow/ (minimum online donation is $10) or by collecting $4 per person and sending checks payable to the Treasurer of Virginia with “Tornado Relief” noted in the memo line to Comptroller’s Office, P.O. Box 1971, Richmond, VA 23218-1971.

All proceeds will go to those recovering from April’s devastating storms. Virginia businesses, organizations and state agencies participating in “Orange and Blue Days” can show their spirit by emailing photos of their staff’s participation to [email protected] and the top ones will be posted on the governor’s Facebook page and on the governor’s website. The governor and his staff will be taking a photo on the steps of the Capitol on Tuesday.