Call to Action – State Funding!

We need your help! Senator Creigh Deeds and Delegate Katrina Callsen have sponsored budget amendments in the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates to provide funding for Bennett’s Village. In order to ensure this funding is approved, members of the Health and Human Resources Committees in both the Senate and the House need to hear from you!

If your representative or district is listed below, or if you know someone who lives in their district and would benefit from Bennett’s Village, we need you to call, email, or visit by February 15th.  

Below is a sample script for emailing or calling your representatives. Personal stories of what makes Bennett’s Village special to you and your family goes a long way. You can even include photos of your family playing at the Treehouse at Bennett’s Village for an even bigger impact! And if you are in Senator Deeds and Delegate Callsen’s district, please thank them for supporting Bennett’s Village.

Sample script for calling (leave a message if no answer!): 

Hello [Delegate/Senator _____]. My name is [____], and I am calling today as one of your constituents in support of the [House Budget Amendment 301 #14h /Senate Budget Amendment 299 #9s] to provide funding for Bennett’s Village. Inspired by a little boy who wanted to play with his friends, Bennett’s Village is building a multigenerational, all-abilities regional playspace in Charlottesville, Virginia, a short ride away from the UVA Children’s Hospital.

 Since the accessible treehouse and path through the woods opened last year, my family has enjoyed [______________] and attending events like [Party in the Park, Treehouse Tales, the Sensory Friendly Santa events, the community rock snake art project, etc.].

Bennett’s Village has worked with community members and experts to design a playspace that will remove barriers that prevent Virginians from safely and completely accessing public spaces. 

Please support [House Amendment 301 #14h or Senate Amendment 299 #9s] because everyone deserves a place to play. Thank you!

Sample script for emailing: 

Dear [Delegate/Senator _____],

My name is [_______], and I am one of your constituents.  I am writing in support of the [House Budget Amendment 301 #14h /Senate Budget Amendment 299 #9s] to provide funding for Bennett’s Village. Inspired by a little boy who wanted to play with his friends, Bennett’s Village is building a multigenerational, all-abilities regional playspace in Charlottesville, Virginia, a short ride away from the UVA Children’s Hospital.

The accessible treehouse and path through the woods opened last year and since that time, my family has enjoyed [______________].  We have gone to events like [Party in the Park, Treehouse Tales, the Sensory Friendly Santa event, the community rock snake art project, etc]. [We have included a photo of _______________].

Bennett’s Village has worked with community members and experts to design a playspace that will remove barriers that prevent Virginians from safely and completely accessing public spaces. The Central Playspace at Bennett’s Village will include equipment that is mindfully designed for people of all ages and abilities, including:

  • a climbing play tower
  • accessible swings and merry-go-round
  • a freestyle track to support safe, thrill seeking fun
  • resting places for those with respiratory, mobility, or other medical needs
  • cardio exercise equipment 

Please support [House Amendment 301 #14h or Senate Amendment 299 #9s] because everyone deserves a place to play.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Contact info:

Who’s My Legislator – https://whosmy.virginiageneralassembly.gov/

Virginia Senate Health and Human Resources Subcommittee

Please refer to Senate Amendment 299 #9s  when contacting these legislators

  • Creigh Deeds, Chair
    • District 11, Represents: All of Albemarle County, Amherst County, Nelson County and Charlottesville City. Parts of Louisa County.
    • Email: senatordeeds@senate.virginia.gov
    • Phone :(804) 698-7511 
  •  Adam P. Ebbin
    • District 39, Represents: All of Alexandria City.  Parts of Arlington County and Fairfax County.
    • Email: senatorebbin@senate.virginia.gov 
    • Phone: (804) 698-7539
  •  Bryce E. Reeves
    • District 28, Represents: All of Culpeper County, Greene County, Madison County, Orange County and Rappahannock County. Parts of Fauquier County and Spotsylvania County.
    • Email: senatorreeves@senate.virginia.gov
    • Phone: (804) 698-7528
  •  Barbara A. Favola
  •  Jennifer B. Boysko
  •  Todd E. Pillion
    • District 6, Represents: lAll of Buchanan County, Dickenson County, Lee County, Russell County, Scott County, Washington County, Wise County, Bristol City and Norton City.
    • Email:senatorpillion@senate.virginia.gov
    • Phone: (804) 698-7506

Virginia House of Delegates Health and Human Resources Subcommittee:

Please refer to House Budget Amendment 301 #14h when contacting these legislators