Shepherd University Foundation’s farm to table dinner raises $22K for Last Dollar Fund

ISSUED: 25 September 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV - This year's farm-to-table dinner, sponsored by the Shepherd University Foundation and hosted by alumni Eric '95 and Joy '91 Lewis of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, raised $22,000 for Shepherd's Last Dollar Fund.

The Last Dollar Fund supports Shepherd students in good academic standing who need assistance with tuition-related expenses.

Chef Mike Costello of Lost Creek Farm treated guests to a multi-course menu, working with area farmers to provide local, quality ingredients. As each course came out, Costello presented the history of the ingredients, where he got them, why he used them, and their ties to West Virginia.

The menu featured items such as watermelon gazpacho with sweet corn crema, a red potato salad with hickory-chicory bacon, stuffed cabbage with buttermilk whipped turnips and heirloom tomato gravy, and the crowd favorite "Flossie Hannah's Vinegar Pie."

Executive Vice President of the Shepherd University Foundation, Sherri Janelle, expressed her gratitudefor the success of the fundraiser.

"I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for the incredible success of the Farm to Table benefit dinner," said Janelle. "It was another amazing evening filled with warmth and generosity. We raised over $22,000 for the Last Dollar Fund in support of our students, which is truly remarkable!"

The Shepherd University community came together to present a beautiful night of local cuisine. Sponsors for the annual event included Jefferson Security Bank, Luttrell Conrad LLP, Scott and Linda Roach, Ray and Mary Alvarez, Walter and Mary Jo Brown, Chris and Sherri Janelle, Hoxton Planning and Management, and Jefferson Distributing.

Members of Shepherd's Beta Delta chapter of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority graciously volunteered as servers for the event, which was hosted at McMurran Farm, the home of the Lewis'.

"A special 'thank you' goes out to Eric and Joy [Lewis] for graciously opening up their beautiful home," said Janelle. "Their vision and dedication have truly made this gathering a memorable one."

If you missed the dinner, you can still support Shepherd students by donating to the Last Dollar Fund. Contact Janelle at 304-876-5043 or [email protected], or visit shepherduniversityfoundation.org/ to donate.

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