Benevolent Fund’s Celebrity Dinner: Jan 28
The Rappahannock Benevolent Fund’s eighth annual Celebrity Waiter Dinner is on for Jan. 28.
The Benevolent Fund was formed in 2008 to provide emergency assistance to individuals and families with short-term needs. It’s a concerted community effort to help provide much needed emergency assistance to local families, help that can truly mean the difference between buying groceries or paying for a car repair. Since 2010, the annual dinner has become the main source of funds raised against an anonymous matching grant of up to $60,000.
The dinner is organized by a volunteer committee and community members, and is served by “celebrity” volunteers. In addition to the price of admission, the enthusiasm of the waiters adds to the fun and entertainment as well as encouraging more contributions. Admission is $85 per person but come with additional funds because there will be many opportunities to spend money for a good cause — including raffle items. The waiter raising the most money in tips receives a prize, and the competition among the waiters is fierce.
This year’s theme is “A Walk in the Woods.” In a change from years passed, the dinner will feature a tapas-style buffet of hot and cold small plates, hors d’oeuvres and mini-desserts supplied by Rappahannock restaurants. The evening entertainment will feature local talent, including Richard Brady and Forrest Marquisee along with their respective bands. Decor will be woodsy, so dress accordingly! (We hear there may even be a old-time still on site).
This year the dinner is 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Washington School. The 2017 waiters are: Dick and Nancy Raines; Debbie Donehey; Paul Reisler; Russ Savage; John and Heidi Lesinski; Bubby Settle; Mike Leake; Steph Ridder; Mimi Forbes and Hal Hunter; Jessica Lindstrom, Betsy Dietel and Mike Sands; John Kiser; and Sal Abbate and Jane Whitfield. Waiters invite guests to their tables but there are extra seats available, so email Lindsay Sonnett (lssonnett@gmail.com) or Jane Whitfield (janeewhit@gmail.com) to request a spot. The organizers make every effort to seat everyone who’d like to attend, but if they can’t seat you this year, they can put you at the top of the list for next year’s dinner (or you can volunteer to be a waiter).
In lieu of attendance, the Benevolent Fund will happily accept a contribution. Please make checks payable to the Rappahannock Benevolent Fund at Box 133, Washington, VA 22747.
The Benevolent Fund is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible. All contributions will be matched up to $60,000 by an anonymous donor.