By Pamela Stallsmith, VPWF President

The Virginia Press Women Foundation’s first online auction to support the Agnes Cooke Scholarship was a smashing success, thanks to the generosity of VPC members.

We raised $1,215 — more than enough to cover the cost of our annual $1,000 scholarship.

Every year we hold an auction at the spring conference to raise money for the Agnes Cooke Scholarship, which benefits a Virginia undergraduate or graduate student who wishes to pursue a career in communications.

This year, VPW Foundation Secretary Gail Kent led the effort to hold a virtual auction and expose our offerings and message to a greater audience. She did an outstanding job organizing this venture and teaching fellow board members how to manage the auction.

We wish to thank our generous contributors who donated the auction’s beautiful items:

• Martha Steger: Garth Newel Music Center mountain music getaway
• Craddock Terry Hotel in Lynchburg: one-night stay
• Chincoteague Island Vacation Rentals: weeklong cabin rental
• Cathy Jett: Handmade smoky quartz jewelry
• Chincoteague Comfort Inn (a late-breaking donation): two nights

Thanks to your continued generosity, VPW Foundation is able to continue helping prepare tomorrow’s communicators. Learn more at vpwfoundation.org