Annual Preakness Party Benefits Rappahannock Community College’s Educational Foundation
Ditchley in Kilmarnock was the setting 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: Act XII Wine and Provisions (Tappahannock), 1710 Tavern (Tappahannock), Ditchley (Kilmarnock), Excellent Eats (Warsaw), Indian Creek Yacht & Country Club (Kilmarnock), and the RCC Culinary Arts Program (Glenns). Local wines were served by General’s Ridge Vineyard (Hague), Good Luck Cellars (Kilmarnock), and Ingleside Vineyards (Oak Grove).
This year’s Preakness Party netted $95,000 in support of the RCC Educational Foundation (EFI). RCC students often balance work, family responsibilities, food insecurity, and unexpected challenges while pursuing their education. Through support from the RCC Educational Foundation, including proceeds from the Preakness Party, students receive critical resources that help them stay on track and complete their goals.
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, CoBANK, and The Eugene Duffer Foundation, The Neal Family. Silver: Blue Ridge Bank, Mason Brent, Dominion Energy, Cynthia Hudson, Little Sue Food Stores, and Stan and Betsy Terhune. Bronze: Bevans Oyster Company, Inc., Callao Moose Lodge, Northern Neck Insurance, Primis Bank, Redlaw Mechanical, River City Golf Carts, River Pools of Virginia, Jean Ann Sanford, Stella Jones Corp, and United Bank. Friend: Al Pugh Distributing, Currie Funeral Home, Joyce Gunderson, Susan Ludeman, Old Orchard Builders, Pocket Change Investments, and Welch Funeral Home. The Preakness committee also thanks everyone who donated items for the silent and live auctions.
“The Preakness Party is a celebration of the community’s commitment to student success,” said Sarah Pope, Executive Director. “Each year, we’re inspired by the generosity of our guests, sponsors, volunteers, and planning committee members who come together to make a lasting impact on RCC students.”