The VPW Foundation

Foundation fundraiser a big success

VPW members walked away from the spring 2009 conference at University of Mary Washington with trips to interesting places across Virginia, books, a creative arts class, Times-Dispatch logo items, wine, Keswick Hall brunch and many other items thanks to the fundraising efforts of the VPW Foundation.

The foundation raised nearly $1,300 from a live auction, silent auction and raffle. Another $135 was donated by members with their conference registrations. The sum qualified the foundation for a $1,000 challenge grant from Virginia Press Women, putting the foundation in an excellent financial position as it prepares to select 2009 winners of the Agnes Cooke Scholarship.

Traditionally, the foundation has awarded one or two $550 scholarships each year to Virginia college students planning to enter the communications field. The winners are selected during the summer and announced at the fall VPW conference.

The foundation board would like to thank everyone who donated an auction or raffle item as well as the enthusiastic bidders who made the event such a success.

— Linda Evans