January 18, 2023

[Blacksburg, VA, January 18, 2024] The Hokie Way, an independent 501(c)(3) organization leveraging the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) of Virginia Tech student-athletes to champion charitable causes, celebrates a year of remarkable achievements and strategic growth.

Stone-by-Stone Donation Match Campaign 

The Hokie Way is proud to highlight the success of the 2023 Stone-By-Stone Donation Match Campaign. The campaign spanned the month of December and a total of $473,623 was raised, amplifying to $723,623 with matching pledges. With 769 donations received from individuals in 35 states, the District of Columbia, and multiple countries, the campaign showcased widespread support for The Hokie Way's initiatives. The funds raised through the annual year-end campaign will play a major role in enabling VT student-athletes to create a lasting impact with charitable partners and communities in 2024.

Vittles for Vets Partnership

In September 2023, The Hokie Way expanded its roster of charitable partners, with the addition of Vittles for Vets as the 9th partner charity. Vittles for Vets provides gift cards to regional veterans in need of healthy food, basic home supplies, etc. The organization enforces strict bylaws and monitoring of purchases to ensure appropriate use of the provided funds.

“Given Virginia Tech’s military history and affiliation, we’d been looking for a partner that supports veterans. And we couldn’t be more proud to add Vittles for Vets,” said Nick Rush, Board member and Chair of The Hokie Way’s Programming Committee. “They provide a great service to veterans facing food insecurity, and we’re hopeful that our partnership will greatly enhance their fundraising efforts and reach.”

Leadership Transitions

The Hokie Way welcomed two new Board Members: Jay Poole, elected to the Board of Directors in August 2023, and Whitney Davis Showalter joined the Board in November 2023. Both members bring an impressive background and passion for community engagement.
In addition to these key leadership changes, Matthew Sams, former Director of Operations for The Hokie Way, has been elevated to the position of Executive Director, effective January 1, 2024. Known for his exceptional skills in communication, marketing operations, brand awareness, and community engagement, Sams brings a wealth of experience to the role. His proven track record in driving initiatives and fostering collaboration, positions The Hokie Way for continued success.

Jim Petrine, President of The Hokie Way Board of Directors, commented on the organization's progress, stating, "The Hokie Way has taken remarkable strides in the past year. Our success is a testament to the dedication of our team, the unwavering support of Hokie Nation, and the impact we continue to make on our communities. We are excited about the continued leadership of Matthew Sams as Executive Director, and we look forward to achieving even greater success in 2024.”

For more information and to stay updated on The Hokie Way's initiatives, visit www.thehokieway.org.

About The Hokie Way

The Hokie™Way is an independent 501(c)(3), founded to facilitate the use of the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) of Virginia Tech student-athletes to help promote charitable causes. For more information, visit thehokieway.org.

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Media Contact:
Robyn Jones
Joba Studio, Inc.
540.553.8143, ext. 2

robyn@jobastudio.com