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Fundraisers Face New Challenges
In a time when many non-profit organizations are vying for limited funds and finding new ways to raise money, organizers of the Warrenton Wine and Arts Festival are optimistic the event will be successful.The festival will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday on the campus of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Warrenton.
Proceeds will benefit the church, its school and the Knights of Columbus.
“A couple of years ago, I proposed having a small wine tasting [as a fund raiser],” said Patrick Dwyer, one of three chairmen for this year's event. “When I brought it up last year, there was a little more traction and the next thing I knew I was running [the event].”
But he wasn't the only one in charge for long. Ed Hoffman, who is also a co-chair, approached Dwyer to see if the Knights of Columbus could help coordinate the event, and make it even bigger than initially proposed.
Fourteen area wineries will be showcased at the festival, along with a slew of artists, musicians and authors.
“The idea was not just to raise money [for us] but to promote Warrenton,” Hoffman said. “We wanted to find a way to bring people into town and make them more familiar with it.”
Roy Francis, another co-chairman, suggested teaming up with the town. Organizers worked with the town council, Partnership for Warrenton and Economic Development Department in order to find a way do that, Hoffman added.
Three satellite parking areas will be provided in and around Old Town to accommodate the crowd and encourage people to explore the community.
If all goes according to plan, Dwyer said attendance could range from 3,000 to 7,000 over two days.
See the Fauquier Times-Democrat for the complete story...
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