Partners in Giving

The generous support of Ginny and Charles Crone

Williamsburg residents Ginny and Charles Crone met in 1980 in the offices of the Williamsburg Pottery. He was a vice president; she was the regional sales representative for Corning Glass, “selling pie plates,” as she says, to one of his relatives. They were married in 1984 and share a common passion for volunteer work.

“We both grew up with the belief that it’s just what you do,” Charles said. “Once I retired from The Pottery in 1990, Ginny and I were able to dedicate much more of our time and resources to things we care about, things that really matter.”

Ginny agrees. “You can work all your life and accumulate a lot of stuff, but when you die, what difference have you made? No one is better because of what they have. You only get better because of what you do. It’s the idea of putting yourself into something bigger than yourself.”

The Crones’ involvement with the MCV Campus began in 1986 when Eddy Dalton, former first lady of Virginia, brought Charles to Richmond to introduce him to Massey Cancer Center. He was asked to be a founding member of Massey’s advisory board, and he and Ginny have been supporters ever since.

“When I first was on the Massey board, we talked about remission and we talked about treatment. Now we talk about cures. That in itself is worth the ride,” Charles said.

Over the years, Charles and Ginny have extended their support across the MCV Campus to the Department of Neurosurgery, the Pauley Heart Center, the School of Nursing, and numerous other schools, departments and programs. In addition, Charles has served on the MCV Foundation board of trustees since 1994.

Serving on the boards of Massey and the MCV Foundation has given us the opportunity to meet some terrific people and learn about their work,” Charles said. “But we also have had first-hand experience with the exceptional care that we are so glad to be able to support. For instance, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which was successfully treated by Dr. Chris Desch at Massey Cancer Center. I had a world-class experience there. And the exceptional talent of Dr. George Vetrovec and his team at Pauley Heart Center helped me determine that my heart is in good shape.”

“Also, years ago, a back problem landed me in the hands of Dr. Harry Young, chairman of VCU’s Department of Neurosurgery. Harry is the total package, the consummate physician — skilled, great bedside manner, great follow-up. I’d let him operate on me if, (a) I didn’t need the surgery and, (b) there wasn’t an anesthesiologist attending. If Harry said I should do it, I’d say fine. So when we can help with something his department needs, something they don’t have the budget for, we’re going to do what we can to see that they get it. We’ve been able to purchase some equipment they needed for research and maybe that helped get something important accomplished.”

“Charles and Ginny are among the finest people I have ever known,” Young said. “They are a rare breed, completely unselfish, priorities in order. I consider their friendship a cherished gift. Our community is a better place because of them and certainly VCU Medical Center is blessed to have them involved.”

“I think that everybody that participates in the nonprofit world can bring something to the table,” Charles said. “One person may bring a million dollars, another may bring 10 dollars, and it all matters. But just as important is sharing a talent, or an idea, or a suggestion on how to do something better.”