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Luncheon raises $312,000 for women's heart health efforts Notable Gifts: Go Red for Women raises $312K; Carytown veterinary hospital received $15K from the Petco Foundation

Richmond Times-Dispatch - 3/20/2017

Notable gifts

Liberty University student Molly Strange-Boston gasped as she climbed out of the pool for the RVA Polar Plunge at Willow Lawn shopping center on Feb. 25. The event, which attracted more than 300 participants, raised $40,000 for Special Olympics Virginia.

This year's Go Red For Women Luncheon raised $312,000 for women's heart health education and research in central Virginia.

Bon Secours Richmond Health System and Macy's were the local and national sponsors.

"I could not be any prouder of all the sponsors, volunteers, donors and individuals that helped make this year's campaign such a success," said Gail Letts, Richmond Go Red For Women chair and Virginia market president for First Tennessee Bank.

"Because of their support, more women will be able to live healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke."

Donation for dental health

Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation donated $72,500 to Richmond-area groups in its end-of-year giving.

Crossover Healthcare Ministry received $5,000 for dental services and supplies; Lucy Corr Foundation, $10,000 to expand dental care; Virginia Dental Association Foundation, $15,000; Virginia Health Care Foundation, $35,000 for Dental Opportunities Champion program; and Virginia Oral Health Coalition, $7,500 for education on the importance of oral health care during pregnancy

Petco helps animal hospital

Prevent A Litter Veterinary Hospital has received $15,000 from the Petco Foundation to support its efforts to end animal overpopulation through affordable spay and neuter surgery.

Since 1999, the Carytown hospital has spayed and neutered more than 100,000 animals and performed other procedures such as tumor removals, hernia repairs and other soft tissue surgeries.

The Petco grant will help provide free and discounted services for pets owned by people in financial need.

"The Petco Foundation's grant will not only allow us to continue to save the lives of animals all over Virginia, but also allow us to provide their guardians with affordable treatment options in lieu of euthanasia. With their belief in our mission, we are certain that by working together, we will one day end the tragic practice of euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals," said Susan DeFazio, executive director.

RVA Polar Plunge raises $40K

More than 300 participants took the challenge in the 2017 RVA Polar Plunge to raise $40,000 for Special Olympics Virginia.

"At Special Olympics Virginia, our vision is to inspire the first unified generation; a generation of people who respectfully include each other in the school, in the workplace, in the community," said Rick Jeffrey, Special Olympics Virginia president.

The Polar Plunge included "people with intellectual disabilities and those without; people of all ages, genders, races and religions; students and teachers; doctors and lawyers; military and law enforcement; one for all; all for one," he said.

The Chesterfield Police Department raised $6,000 and claimed the top team prize. Elizabeth Grosch of South Richmond raised more than $1,900 and claimed the top individual prize.

$10,000 for Make-A-Wish

McGeorge Toyota donated $10,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Virginia to help grant wishes to children battling critical health conditions in the Richmond area.

"We are passionate about giving back to our community and are grateful for the opportunity to help make a child's wish come true," said Bob Farlow, McGeorge Toyota's general manager.

Book event fosters literacy

Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women distributed 500 new books to students at St. Andrew's School in Oregon Hill in its annual Day of Service dedicated to literacy.

This donation follows Pi Phi's 2016 installation of a Little Free Library at St. Andrew's School, located in the courtyard so it can be open for all of the community to enjoy.

Send notices for Notable Gifts to notablegifts@timesdispatch.com.