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Richmond: Gala wine tasting to benefit BFAIR programs

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 16:59 GMT by Berkshire Eagle
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Richmond Gala Wine Tasting Raises Funds for BFair Community Programs

On Saturday, July 20, the historic Old Dominion Hall in Richmond, Virginia, buzzed with wine‑connoisseurs, philanthropists, and community leaders, all drawn together by a shared purpose: to support the BFair community programs that empower under‑served families and youth in the city. The “Richmond Gala Wine Tasting,” a three‑hour affair featuring a curated selection of local and national vintages, raised more than $25,000—surpassing the organizers’ goal and sending a powerful message about the role of civic engagement in Richmond’s future.

A Night of Fine Wine and Social Impact

The event kicked off at 6 p.m., when guests were welcomed with a signature “Pride in Richmond” cocktail, a toast to the city’s growing cultural scene. A string quartet provided background music while guests sampled four themed wine stations—“Southern Charm,” “Mid‑Atlantic Musings,” “Wine & Food Pairing,” and “Dessert & Dessert Wine.” Each station was staffed by sommeliers who shared stories about the vineyards, the winemaking process, and the unique regional nuances that make Virginia a rising star on the U.S. wine map.

A highlight of the evening was a “Blind Tasting Challenge,” where attendees guessed varietals and ratings for a set of five pre‑selected bottles. Participants who scored over 90 points won a private tasting dinner at the Richmond Wine & Spirits Cooperative, further reinforcing the partnership between the local wine industry and charitable causes.

The BFair Mission and the Gala’s Impact

BFair—short for “Briarfields Community Services”—was founded in 2003 to provide comprehensive support to low‑income families in the Richmond area. Its flagship initiatives include after‑school tutoring, summer mentorship programs, and a nutrition and cooking series for parents and children. Over the past decade, BFair has served more than 4,000 families and impacted 12,000 children.

According to BFair’s Executive Director, Maya Thompson, the gala’s success represents a turning point for the organization. “The funds we’ve raised will enable us to expand our tutoring program to include STEM labs and to increase the number of families served by our cooking series,” Thompson said. “But more importantly, the community’s willingness to invest in our work sends a signal that the people of Richmond care about the future of their children.”

The money raised will also help BFair secure a new space for its after‑school center, which currently shares a basement room with a community center. The new location will allow for a full‑sized kitchen and dedicated STEM lab, both of which are critical for delivering the hands‑on experiences that the program promises.

The Power of Partnerships

The gala was a collaborative effort between the City of Richmond, the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, local wineries such as Blue Ridge Vineyards and Richmond Vine, and a group of philanthropists who have long championed educational causes. According to a press release from the Chamber of Commerce, the event drew 400 attendees, including city council members, business leaders, and community activists.

“Partnerships like this are the backbone of Richmond’s social fabric,” said Chamber President, Jordan Ellis. “By combining resources—whether they’re financial, human, or experiential—we’re creating a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the walls of a single event.”

Local winery owner and frequent collaborator, Sarah Patel, added that supporting BFair not only strengthens community ties but also creates a positive brand image that can inspire other companies to give back. “We’re proud to see the community rally around a cause that directly benefits our neighbors,” Patel said.

A Look Forward

The success of the Richmond Gala Wine Tasting has opened the door for an annual series. Organizers are already planning a “Summer Soirée” next year, featuring live music and a “Sustainable Harvest” wine showcase that highlights organic vineyards. BFair hopes to use the momentum to expand its programs into neighboring counties.

In a broader sense, the event underscores the evolving role of wine events in charitable fundraising. While traditionally considered a luxury industry, wine tastings now serve as accessible, engaging ways for communities to unite around social causes. As the world increasingly embraces experiences over material goods, such events offer a compelling blend of indulgence and impact.

For those who missed the gala, the organizers have announced that a recording of the tasting session will be uploaded to their website—an initiative that could generate further donations and spread awareness about BFair’s mission. The recording will include behind‑the‑scenes footage of the wine‑making process, interviews with the city’s mayor, and a walkthrough of the new after‑school center plans.

Final Thoughts

The Richmond Gala Wine Tasting was more than a night of fine drinking; it was a testament to what can be achieved when a city’s cultural capital, corporate resources, and community spirit coalesce for a common good. The $25,000 raised—along with the goodwill and renewed focus on local challenges—will help BFair continue to lift the next generation of Richmonders. As the city continues to grow and diversify, events like this remind us that progress is not only measured in economic terms but also in the tangible improvements to the lives of its residents.