Sip, Support, and Sparkle: Rotary Club of Warren Plans Scholarship Gala

The Rotary Club of Warren County is preparing for a night of celebration and community support on Thursday, February 19, as it hosts its second annual scholarship fundraiser at Reitano Vineyards from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening will raise money for five (5) $3,000 scholarships for Skyline High School students, with two awards specifically earmarked for those pursuing trade school or community college programs.

“Our purpose in having this event is going to be to raise money for five (5) $3,000 scholarships for Skyline High School students,” said Dr. Kristen Pence. “Two of those scholarships are going to be earmarked for students interested in trade schools specifically, or Laurel Ridge Community College, or community college in general.”

The event will take place in Reitano Vineyard’s newly expanded event space, offering guests a scenic and comfortable atmosphere. Owner Shelly Cook will provide all food for the evening, and wine from her vineyard will be available at each table.

“She’s got this new place. And that’s where this will be. We’re going to be in the new part,” said Pence. “Shelly Cook… she’s very talented. She’s very community-oriented because she makes this place available for a lot of people.”

Each $125 ticket includes dinner and a bottle of both red and white wine per table of eight. Tables can be purchased in full or individually, and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

“A lot of people do buy whole tables. Actually, we just sold one today,” said Jean Plauger. “We do still have availability for sponsorships if someone wants to reach out to me.”

Along with dinner and drinks, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a diamond giveaway. For $100, attendees can purchase a chance to win a 1-carat diamond—with one genuine stone hidden among identical lookalikes. The winner will be revealed during the event and will also receive a custom-designed piece of jewelry from Jean’s Jewelers.

“One of my companies was gracious enough with me to donate a one-carat diamond,” said Plauger. “I will do a design from out of my store, personally… It’s about $10,000.”

There will also be live paddle games, where guests can compete to out-donate one another in a fun and spirited way. “This I’ve never done, but I’m really excited about it because I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. People love to outbid each other,” said Plauger.

Skyline High School Principal Jody Lee will speak at the event, highlighting the importance of these scholarships and the impact they have on students’ futures. “College is so expensive for these kids now. This is a way to help them so they can get a start,” said Pence.

Scholarship funds raised will not be limited to tuition use. “These monies can be earmarked for whatever they want to use them for… reimbursement, too, for what they’re doing,” she explained.

The fundraiser supports a wide range of educational paths, including trades, which the Rotary Club sees as essential in today’s economy. “There is a very big push [for trades], and that $3,000 will really go a long way,” said Pence.

As more students take advantage of dual enrollment and earn college credits during high school, the Rotary Club hopes these flexible scholarships will give them an extra boost. “We had one person graduate with their associate degree and their high school degree all at the same time,” Pence noted.

As of now, only 31 tickets remain for the event. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite or in person at Jean’s Jewelers in the Royal Plaza Shopping Center.

“We want to make sure people jump on board and get those tickets,” said Plauger. “We’re there to have fun.” Attire is business casual, and guests can expect a welcoming, lively evening.

The Rotary Club hopes the event will not only raise funds, but also awareness about the range of local scholarships available to graduating seniors.

“There’s so much money available to them,” said Pence. “They just have to do the application.”