VAN METRE DONATES $140,000 TO LOUDOUN COUNTY ORGANIZATIONS

BURKE, VIRGINIA - Van Metre Companies, a proud business leader in Loudoun County, donated $140,000 to four Loudoun County organizations as part of its 50th anniversary.  Van Metre donated $35,000 each to the following programs: Loudoun Community Free Clinic; Loudoun County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management Department; Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department; and the Loudoun Youth Initiative.

"We take great pride in being involved in the community," said Al Van Metre, Sr., Chairman, CEO and Director of Van Metre Companies.  "The Van Metre Companies have been in the business of building communities for 50 years and we believe in supporting programs within our communities.  Each of these organizations is outstanding in making Loudoun County a better place to live."

The Loudoun Community Free Clinic serves uninsured residents of Loudoun County with limited income.  The clinic, only open 3 days a week, had over 1,100 patients and 3,000 visits last year alone.  The Clinic provides patients with quality health care for acute and chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma.  Staffing for the clinic is provided entirely by a dedicated corps of over 100 volunteers from the medical community and the community at-large.

"The types and extents of services the clinic is able to offer are directly attributable to available funding and we are very grateful for Van Metre’s support," said Lyle Werner, executive director.

Loudoun County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management Department’s Chief Joseph Pozzo said, "The funds will be used to support our volunteer recruitment and retention program, an area that has been historically difficult to fund, but a vital program for the Department because fire and rescue services in Loudoun County are provided primarily by the 17 volunteer fire and rescue companies located throughout the county." 

The Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management Department provides administration and training for the volunteer companies.  The department also coordinates disaster planning, emergency dispatch, safety education and related emergency support services.

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services provides recreational, educational and cultural services for residents of all ages through park programs, community centers, day care service, before and after school programs, sports leagues for youth and adults, programs for people with special needs, and the Area Agency on Aging.  Director Diane Ryburn said, "We are extremely grateful for Van Metre’s support of the community at large and the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department."

The Loudoun Youth Initiative, a major program of the Loudoun County Advisory Commission on Youth, addresses the needs of Loudoun County’s youth for safe and responsive recreational, cultural, and social activities and opportunities.  Director Tim Chesnutt, said, "The $35,000 will help to jump start the new program and encourage other organizations to donate."

Van Metre Loudoun County Donations
The funds for the donations were raised from the sale of a designer show house located in the resort-style Lansdowne on the Potomac community, set on the Potomac River just outside Leesburg, VA.  Van Metre Companies pledged to donate 25 percent of the sales price of the designer showcase home to help support a variety of community organizations and causes throughout Northern Virginia as a part of Van Metre’s 50th Anniversary celebration.  In total, over $300,000 was contributed to charities through this effort.  Overall, Van Metre has raised and donated over $600,000 to area charities in 2005.

###