Farm to Table Dinner Raises More Than $27,000 for Shepherd University’s Last Dollar Fund

ISSUED: 17 September 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV - Shepherd University Foundation's annual Farm to Table Dinner raised more than $27,000 for the University's Last Dollar Fund, which helps students facing financial challenges cover tuition-related expenses. The event was hosted by alumni Eric '95 and Joy '91 Lewis at McMurran Farm in Shepherdstown on September 11, 2026.

"The success of our Farm to Table Dinner reflects the heart of our Shepherd community," said Sherri Janelle, Shepherd University Foundation executive vice president. "Every ticket, sponsorship, and donation helps open doors for students to achieve their educational dreams."

Twelve students representing campus clubs and organizations volunteered as servers, including Tyler Furbee, Student Government Association president.

"Our student volunteers were honored to serve and support a cause that directly impacts our peers," said Furbee. "We loved being a part of such a great night with an amazing atmosphere."

Chef Mike Costello of Lost Creek Farm prepared the Farm to Table Dinner menu, featuring locally sourced ingredients and shared the stories behind each course, highlighting the ingredients' origins and connections to the region.

The menu included a black walnut farmer's cheese communion wafer with bourbon-sage apple butter and toasted sage; chilled beet and watermelon soup with garlic-cured cream, ginger-beet kraut, and toasted sweet potatoes; peppercorn pork belly with blueberry-onion jam, braised collards and cabbage, and summer corn grits; and Flossie Hannah's Vinegar Pie.

Event sponsors included Jefferson Security Bank, WVU Medicine, Conrad Luttrell LLP, Scott and Linda Roach, Walter and Mary Jo Brown, Phillip and Catherine Lowe, Michael Chapman and Karen Bailey, Ben and Danielle Deuell, Ray and Mary Alvarez, Chris and Sherri Janelle, Andrew and Eileen Patterson, Karl Wolf, Hoxton Planning and Management, and Jefferson Distributing.

For more information or to make a donation to the Last Dollar Fund, contact 304-876-5043 or [email protected], or visit shepherduniversityfoundation.org.

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