Our Story

As boys, Thomas Jefferson and Dabney Carr would hike to the summit of the mountain near Jefferson’s family home. Beneath the shade of a great oak tree, on the land that would later become Monticello (Jefferson’s Home), they spent hours reading, dreaming, and planning their futures. There, they made a solemn pact: that one day, they would be buried beneath that very tree.

Carr, who died young, was the first to be buried there. Over fifty years later, Jefferson joined him.

This story, simple and profound, is the heart of The Dabney Card.

Founded by a UVA student, The Dabney Card connects students with Charlottesville’s favorite local cafés, shops, and restaurants — offering exclusive perks while supporting the small businesses that give the town its charm.

But it’s more than a student discount.
It’s a commitment to Charlottesville.

From the Corner to the Downtown Mall, this card helps UVA students live more fully in their community — not just as a visitor passing through, but as someone who belongs here.

Our Mission
To enrich student life, support small businesses, and carry forward the Carr-inspired ideals of friendship, place, and civic purpose.