February 7, 2003

The Virginian-Pilot Makes News At The Hall of Fame

IFrom reporting news to now making news on the sports field, The Virginian-Pilot has awarded a $150,000 grant to the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum Capital Campaign. The announcement, which came just before the holidays, was a welcome gift to the campaign, which now stands at $6.5 million.

"We are excited to make a contribution of this magnitude to this project," said D.R. Carpenter III, president and publisher of The Virginian-Pilot. "The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum will be a major tourist attraction for Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth of Virginia."

Beside its contribution to tourism, the museum’s plans for educational programs were another appealing aspect for the newspaper executives. Carpenter said that the museum’s emphasis on strong values and character resonates with his company’s corporate philosophy.

"At The Pilot and across the board at Landmark, we have a rich tradition of promoting core values that focus on ‘doing the right thing’ through high ethical standards, uncompromising principles, integrity, fairness and respect for people," Carpenter explained. "The Hall of Fame’s educational programs will share these values with young people, and that’s vitally important to us."

The Virginian-Pilot is the flagship newspaper for Landmark Communications, based in Norfolk. The newspaper, which averages about 225,000 subscribers daily, serves southeastern Virginia, the Eastern Shore of Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.

In announcing the gift, Hall of Fame President Bob Aston, said, "The Virginian-Pilot has a history of providing for projects which enhance the educational endeavors of Hampton Roads. We are pleased to receive their support."

With continued strong support from leading corporations such as The Virginian-Pilot, the Hall of Fame continues on its track to meeting the campaign goal and building a museum that all of Virginia can take pride in.

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