Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – On Saturday, Feb. 15, Smithfield, the presenting sponsor of the Commonwealth Clash, is challenging all attendees of the UVA vs. Virginia Tech basketball game to bring in nonperishable food items for donation to support The Market of Virginia Tech. And the Commonwealth-based brand will also be donating an additional $5,000.
Since the 2014-2015 academic year, the brand has partnered with the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech in the rivalry between the schools across all school-sponsored sports — becoming the presenting sponsor of the Smithfield Commonwealth Clash in the 2021-2022 season. But for Smithfield, this sponsorship means more than just promoting athletics, it also supports the local communities surrounding UVA and Virginia Tech, including each school’s food pantry.
Supported by a $1.5 million donation from alumni couple Hema and Mehul Sanghani, the program launched in 2020 to provide up to 115 students at a time with weekly grocery shopping. The Market's top preferred foods are rice, pasta, peanut butter, canned chicken or tuna, canned soup and granola bars.
Credentialed media is invited to capture interviews, b-roll and photos at both the food drive prior to the game and the check presentation during the first half of the game.
DETAILS
Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025
12:30-3 p.m. (ET)
Food drive collection outside west/Beamer Way entrance starting at 12:30 p.m.
Check presentation will be held on court during game's first half