A crisp, bright Spring day engulfed more than 700 wine and food aficionados attending the 32nd Annual Toast to Alexandria Sunday at the pastoral Collingwood-on-the-Potomac.
Held each year as one of the primary fund-raisers for The Campagna Center, this year's event netted approximately $50,000, according to Katherine Morrison, the Center's executive director. The Center's other two financial pillars are several events around the Christmas Walk, which produce the most revenue, and The Angel Ball.
"This is the biggest event in terms of people who come to the party," Morrison said. "Each of these activities is becoming even more critical with city financial support shrinking. Private donations and sponsorship support are increasingly important."
Twenty six restaurants from throughout the area contributed a wide array of food with wine and beer supplied by the Center. Alcoholic beverages cannot be donated due to Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control laws, Morrison explained, but Guiffre Distributing provided the beer. Each guest left with their own engraved wine glass.
Suzie Schroeder and Maureen Marr, both Junior Friends of The Campagna Center, served as co-chairs for the three hour lawn party. "More than 13 different committees are involved in organizing and managing the various activities prior to and during the day," Schroeder explained. "Some of the restaurants have been involved for 20 years," Marr added.
THE PROCEEDS ARE used to support a variety of children services. "The Center is one of the most important public service organizations we have. It has done so much to help children and families over the years. And it's volunteer leaders give a great deal of their time, energy, and expertise to make it a success," Virginia State Senator Patricia S.Ticer, said as she enjoyed the afternoon.
Sponsors and contributors included, in addition to the restaurants, Passport Automotive Group, Griffin Johnson Dover & Stewart, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, Property Tax Advisors, Beer Institute, Burns Doane Swecker & Mathis, Clarke & Sampson, Inc., Sue and Marty Goodhart, National Cooperative Bank, Petro Design/Build, Washington Gas, Donnan C. Wintermute, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice,PLLC, and the Alexandria Gazette Packet/Mount Vernon Gazette.