No one knows exactly when or why the notorious rivalry between the Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia began, but nonetheless it's a rivalry that runs deep throughout the state of Virginia.

Whether it's over football itself or the attire worn to the game, it seems students, alumni and faculty alike will always stand proud on their side of the Hokies vs. Hoos opposition.

What then, at least in the commonwealth of Virginia, has given cause to those who have sworn oath to the Hokie Bird or Cavalier respectively, to burry the hatchet and work as one collaborative team?

You guessed it: a cause for the greater good.

Back in August of 2007, Richmond.com was there when the legendary Hokies vs. Hoos Habitat Challenge broke ground for fundraising. Now, almost a full year later, we're here to announce that all that hard-work, diligent fundraising and a little help from some big corporations, is about to finally pay off.

This Wednesday, July 16, Hokie and Wahoo alumni, friends, family and fans from around the Richmond area will gather together off of Wamsley Boulevard on Angus Road to begin what is known as an eight week "blitz build" for Angela Randolph's family.

"It's been very difficult…since both universities are also undergoing major fundraising initiatives [themselves]," said Matt Shaver, Philanthropic chairman for the UVA Club of Richmond.

"Even though this is an initiative for both the alumni chapters, the schools themselves are looking for fundraising. That coupled with the economy itself and the amount of nonprofits competing for the same dollars, it's really tough to set yourself apart."

Luckily, the two alumni organizations were able to separate themselves from the rest and gain a little attention from one of Richmond's newest corporate residents, MeadWestvaco.

Back on June 23, MeadWestvaco announced an official corporate sponsorship and donation of $20,000 towards both teams of the Habitat Challenge which, according to Shaver, has made all the difference.

"MeadWest, jumping in when they did, really reinvigorated everyone who has been grinding it out trying to raise money the hard way," Shaver said. "I think it's also legitimized the effort in other people's eyes."

Since fundraising efforts began, the Randolph family has been living in sub-standard housing off of Jeff Davis Highway after an electrical fire forced them out of their apartment. And with four children and a nephew to take care of, safe and affordable housing is a major priority for this family.

As if the simple act of putting together a Habitat House for a deserving family wasn't enough, this effort holds even stronger personal feelings for one member of the family and Shaver himself.

Three years ago Shaver, also involved in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program, met Angela's nephew she takes care of, Dayvon.

"We've been together for about three years and he just turned 16, which is really cool, because he'll actually be able to work on the house himself, "Shaver said.

"With all they've had going on in the last couple of years, to have them see that within in a couple months, they'll be [moved in] is amazing and it's really picked up their spirits."

Wednesday also happens to be Shaver's birthday, bringing the Habitat Challenge completely full circle.

While previous fundraising efforts for the challenge have been primarily focused on raising monetary funds, the need for time and material donations has finally peaked, and local companies and Richmond residents are encouraged to donate and volunteer.

Once the house is completed and family moved in, Shaver says it's time for the Richmond UVA and Virginia Tech alumni clubs to create a basic training "how-to" manual for other alumni organizations around the country.

"[Habitat] has never tried what we're doing any where else in the country, and so hopefully upon completion, we can put together a really nice training manual for other areas who want to do this," Shaver said.

"Our main purpose with nonprofits is to provide alumni volunteers and not raise money. So we'd rather, in the future, serve as a founding board for other groups anywhere in the country who want to do this, help them learn from our mistakes, from what we did right and do it quicker."

• The Hokies vs. Hoos Habitat Challenge will break ground on Wednesday, July 16 off of Wamsley Boulevard on Angus Road and construction will last for eight weeks. Monetary, material and time donations can still be made by visiting hokiesvshoos.com.