Community Foundation Holiday Reception

Tonight the Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region (CFRRR) hosted the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce’s “After Hours” reception. CFRRR goes all out with this, sponsoring a big holiday bash, with catered food and an open bar. The idea is that you will get swept up in the holiday spirit and make a generous donation to the organization.

Since CFRRR is a client of the ad agency I work for, I get invited, and last year, I had such a good time that I volunteered to work the event this year. So I got there early to help set up, and spent the beginning of the evening working the bar—in my case, just handing out beer and soda, because I have no idea how to mix a drink.

Before long, they were overrun with volunteers, and I was demoted to guest. I spent much of the evening cruising the hors d'oeuvre tables (sushi and crabcakes and roast beef, oh my!) and trying to find a familiar face among a group that is decidedly not my crowd—the business community of Fredericksburg, including quite a few high powered movers and shakers. Luckily, my boss's partner showed up, took me under her wing, and introduced me around, since she is quite a mover and shaker herself, and knows everyone. It was an interesting evening, but I have to admit, the most fun I had was pouring beer and soda for the merrymakers. I think that’s a job I would actually like--tending bar or serving food at catered affairs...something where I get to schmooze drunk people all night.

And now a word from your sponsor: The Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded to promote philanthropy in the Fredericksburg region by managing charitable funds for organizations and individuals. So for example, if you wanted to establish a fund that would provide financial support annually for a specific cause, CFRRR would set up and manage the fund for you, and distribute the money in accordance with your wishes. A member of my church died a few years ago, and having very little family, he left a significant part of his estate to the Community Foundation, to establish a fund that would provide yearly support to Habitat for Humanity in his name. CFRRR also manages quite a few scholarship funds, set up in memory of a loved one, and earmarked for deserving students. You can also donate money to any of their existing funds. And if you are really stumped for a Christmas present for the person who has everything, you can purchase a CFRRR gift card for $50 in their honor. No, they don’t actually get anything other than a donation made in their honor, but the card does come in a lovely gift bag. To learn more about CFRRR, click here.