20th Anniversary Preakness Party Benefits Rappahannock Community College Educational Foundation
Shandy Hall on the Rappahannock River in Warsaw, VA, was the venue for this year’s Preakness Party held in May. Over 300 guests enjoyed appetizers and wine from local restaurants and wineries, bid on auction items, and watched a live stream of the Preakness stakes. Best hat and most dapper man contests during the festivities brought out the competitive spirit in many of the guests.
Gourmet fare was provided by these top restaurants and caterers: 1710 Tavern (Tappahannock), Indian Creek Yacht & Country Club (Kilmarnock), Prince Street Cafe (Tappahannock), RCC Culinary Arts Program (Glenns), and Relish Restaurant & Wine Bar. Wines were served by General’s Ridge Vineyard (Hague), Good Luck Cellars (Kilmarnock), Ingleside Vineyards (Oak Grove), and Winebow (Glen Allen).
This year’s Preakness Party netted over $88,000 in support of the RCC Educational Foundation and its scholarship program. Proceeds help support the RCC student scholarship program that is providing over $700,000 in scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year, as well as student emergency financial assistance and textbook purchases.
Thank you to our valued sponsors. Diamond: The Stephen E. Tallent Family Education Trust, Virginia American Water and American Water Charitable Foundation. Gold: Chesapeake Bank and CoBANK. Silver: Blue Ridge Bank, Connemara Corporation General Contractors, Lakey and Ellen Cowart, The Eugene Duffer Foundation-The Neal Family, and Frederick Northup, Inc. Bronze: Barbour Printing Services, Bevans Oyster Company, Inc., Mason Brent, Chesapeake Bay Ice Company, Citizens and Farmers Bank, Dominion Energy, Susan and Rich Gouldin, Lee Self Properties, Northern Neck Insurance, Primis Bank, Redlaw Mechanical, River City Golf Carts, River Pools and Spas, Jean Ann Sanford, Stella Jones Corp. Friend: Al Pugh Distributing, Susan and Danny Ludeman, Old Orchard Builders, Pocket Change Investments, and Welch Funeral Home.
“The Preakness Party is the signature fundraising event for RCC’s Educational Foundation,” said Sarah Pope, Executive Director. “We truly value the community support, steering committee, staff, and volunteers who braved the rain to help put on this worthwhile and fun event!” Save the date for May 17, 2025—location to be announced.
Photos from the event can be viewed at https://www.flickr.com/photos/198313491@N05/albums/72177720317149379