LOOK WHAT YOU DID!

 SCHOLARSHIP GALA A HUGE SUCCESS!

Everybody seemed to have great fun at our first-ever scholarship event. Held at Chef Fred's, it was an outstanding party, and you came out in droves to support our cause! Everyone looked so nice in their Western outfits, and there was plenty of good food, drinks and fun to go around! Both of the auctions were a big hit, as well as the dancing afterwards. Lots of laughter and lots of folks, and the only thing we needed was a few more chairs!

Our main goal was to raise money so we could start a scholarship for two students pursuing a career in the culinary fields. And the members of LORA had the same worries that parents do... Will we have enough money? Thanks to you, the answer is "YES!"

Rebecca Hill and Garrett Crouchley were this year's lucky - and surprised - recipients of our first scholarship checks.

The students applied for a $1000 scholarship, so imagine how surprised they were when, during the awards ceremony, they were each awarded with $2000! With your help, the gala was enough of a success for us to be able to DOUBLE the amount of each students' scholarship! Local residents got together with local restaurants to help local students - it just doesn't get any better than that. So, from the bottom of our hearts, thanks to everyone who supported our fundraiser - thanks from the students, and thanks from all the members and associate members of LORA!

We are already planning next year's event... but what theme should we choose? Should it be Roaring '20's, the Fabulous '50's, Mardi Gras, or something we haven't thought of yet? Whatever the theme, the party will be fantastic again. We expect next year's event to be even bigger, so The Fountains Wedding and Conference Center will be the host. Special thanks to Chef Fred's Chesapeake Steakhouse for letting us practically overrun his restaurant and banquet facilities - we could not have done it without his help!

We will keep you posted on next year's gala as the plans develop.