Guadalupe Chavarria II, co-owner of Vigné Restaurant at 125 South Lexington Ave. in downtown Asheville, recently partnered with Charlotte Street Computers to donate five reconditioned computers to UNC Asheville. The computers will be placed in UNC Asheville residence hall computer labs for use by students.

"This is a wonderful and welcomed donation," said UNC Asheville Dean of Students Jackie McHargue. "Not all students have their own computers, which are obviously essential to learning. This gift will enhance our ability to ensure that every student has easy access to computers."

Charlotte Street Computers, which offers computer upgrades, service and repairs, also operates ecycleme.com, a computer recycling center across the street from Vigné Restaurant. Chavarria worked with Jennifer Mayer, Charlotte Street Computers CEO and UNC Asheville alumna, to make the donation of computers, which were refurbished at ecycleme.com.

"I was happy to work with Gaudalupe to help an establishment that he truly believes in," Mayer said. "As a graduate of UNC Asheville, I was especially pleased that his donation will benefit students at my alma mater."

Chavarria has been a longtime supporter of the University and also serves on the UNC Asheville Foundation Board of Directors.

"UNC Asheville is an amazing university and offers so much to students," he said. "As a business owner, I wanted to help UNC Asheville students and encourage others to do the same. We might not always be able to give hard money but there are many other ways to make a difference for students. Teaming up with Jennifer to make these computer donations is just one example."

Chavarria, who also owns Studio Chavarria hair salon, opened Vigné Restaurant with Steve Stranges in August 2007. The restaurant is open for dinner nightly at 5:30 p.m. and offers fine dining with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Parking is available on the street as well as in the nearby Charlotte Street Computers' recycling center parking lot.