Response’s Wit “N” Waiter Wahoo set for Nov. 7
Fran Romeo, of The Romeo Companies, waitresses at last year
Mount Jackson, Virginia – “Renaissance” has been chosen as the theme for the November 7 Wit “N” Waiter Wahoo dinner, the largest fund-raising event of the year for Response, reports Kristie Wilkin, Executive Director. Proceeds from the annual dinner benefit the work of the agency, which includes programs that help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and programs designed to help prevent such abuse.
“The theme reflects the need at Response for a rebirth of our building which badly needs a repainting and other repairs,” Wilkin explained. “Funds raised will help revitalize our shelter and the lives of the women and children who seek its comfort.”
The Wit-n-Waiter Wahoo is one-third buffet supper, one-third auction, and one-third good-natured entertainment. Guests for the evening are “served” by local celebrity waiters including county officials, authors, and business owners. The waiters will be dressed following the theme and often have special table gifts that complement their chosen character, Wilkin said.
The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. for the Renaissance Wit “N” Waiter Wahoo to be held at the Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns. The cost is just $35 and reservations may be made by calling Response at (540) 459-5599, or e-mailing Susan Lane at lane2125 at yahoo.com. For $100, guests become sponsors and receive two admissions to the dinner. The reservation deadline is November 2.
The basic concept of the dinner, Wilkin explains, is that guests ask waiters to perform simple or funny tasks, such as fetch a glass of ice tea, sing a song, or dance a jig. The waiter completes the request only if a tip is placed in the basket at the center of the table. The tips (usually in the $1 to $5 range) go to Response and the waiter with the most tips wins the coveted Waiter of the Year Apron. An Apron was recently retired after being presented to John J. “Ski” Sygielski, former President of Lord Fairfax College. He had won the apron several years in a row.
Now in its 29th year, Response has touched the lives of more than 10,000 individuals in Shenandoah County since its founding in 1980. Response’s services include a confidential 24-hour hot line: (540) 459-5161; emergency shelter, crisis intervention, volunteer companions, information and referral, court advocacy and accompaniment, support groups, information and support for victims and their families, child advocacy, teen dating violence education, healthy relationship program, teen intervention, community education, and supportive counseling.
Contact Kristie Wilkin for more information at: (540) 459-5599
