Community rallies to save First Night

A last-minute plea paid off for First Night Warrenton organizers.

Last Tuesday, Peter Dunning told the Warrenton Town Council that sluggish fundraising had put the annual New Year’s Eve event in jeopardy.

In less than a week, local businesses and residents donated enough money to ensure the alcohol-free festivities will be held in Old Town Warrenton as scheduled.

The amount raised, including pledges secured Monday, totals $12,000.

Country Chevrolet owner Andy Budd helped spearhead the fundraising effort.

“I read in the paper that the event was in jeopardy because of lack of funds,” Budd said. “I called Peter Dunning, and he said they needed about $8,000. I offered $2,000 to help.”

Budd’s belief that community-oriented events such as First Night make life in a small town unique prompted him to make the contribution.

He said he would have done the same thing to support any other community event if the need arose.

“A lot of people feel the same way I do,” Budd said. “It’s very nice that so many people jumped in.”

Each donation helped make a difference, regardless of the amount pledged, he added.

According to Dunning, all donors will be thanked personally and further recognized in the First Night Warrenton program, on the Bluemont website and in special ads in Fauquier publications and websites following the event.

“We are just delighted at the positive outpouring of support from businesses and individuals,” Dunning said.

Held for 19 years, First Night Warrenton is designed as an affordable way to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Admission buttons, good for any and all events, cost $10 per person, $8 seniors, $5 for children ages 3-12 and under 3 are free. A special family rate $30 (parents and children) is available on site the evening of the event.

“We are very excited to see this tradition come to life again this year,” said Ann Martella, First Night volunteer coordinator.

“We have a number of performing groups thrilled to be a part of 2011 First Night Warrenton,” she said. Although the fundraising campaign garnered enough support to hold the event, organizers are still seeking sponsorships and donations to ensure its success.

Anyone interested in helping can contact Dunning at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (540) 338-4640; Martella at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (540) 341-0260; or Crystal McKinsey at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or phone: (540) 351-0006.