Clarke County Education Foundation Celebrates Record-Breaking 2025 Mardi Gras Gala at Historic Rosemont Springs

Berryville, VA — March 15, 2025-  The Clarke County Education Foundation (CCEF), under the leadership of President Jon Erickson, proudly celebrates the tremendous success of its 2025 Mardi Gras Gala—a premier fundraising event benefiting Clarke County Public Schools. Held at the stunning Historic Rosemont Springs in Berryville, Virginia, on March 14, 2025, the event welcomed 330 guests for an evening of live entertainment, gourmet cuisine, and spirited community celebration.

Now in its 27th year, the Mardi Gras Gala raised a record-breaking net total of more than $70,000, all dedicated to supporting students and teachers in Clarke County. Attendees enjoyed a festive evening featuring dinner, live music, auctions, and more—all in celebration of public education.

In addition to the live auction, an online silent auction raised over $17,000 and concluded on Sunday evening. A highlight of the night was the presentation of the 2025 Dr. Richard M. Lewis Legacy Award to Mrs. Geneva Jackson, a beloved and long-time supporter of CCEF. Dr. Joy Lewis, wife of the late Dr. Lewis, presented the second annual award alongside daughters Dr. Jacqueline Keefauver and Adrianne Lally, with family in attendance.

For over 25 years, Mrs. Jackson has donated her renowned apple cake to the live auction, helping to raise an estimated $40,000 for CCEF. This year, her cake became the centerpiece of a remarkable fundraising effort—auctioned and re-donated 10 times, raising $11,700 in a single evening. All proceeds from the cake auction were dedicated to a new scholarship in her honor, seeded with a $1,000 contribution from CCEF.

CCEF will continue fundraising to grow the Geneva Jackson Scholarship Fund, ensuring it provides lasting opportunities for students. In addition to the cake auction, the live auction raised an additional $23,000 in support of the Foundation’s mission.

“We are excited to once again bring the spirit of Mardi Gras to Berryville while making a meaningful impact on the future of Clarke County students,” said Beth Williams, Executive Director of CCEF. “This event not only provides a night of fun and celebration, but also strengthens the community’s support for public education and our schools.”

CCEF extends heartfelt thanks to all who sponsored, donated, attended, and supported this year’s Gala. Special thanks to our generous sponsors:

Patron Sponsors: Turner and Mary Kay Kobayashi; John and Kathy Hudson; Jon and Camrynn Fausey; Anonymous.
Venue Sponsor: Historic Rosemont
King Sponsor: Bank of Clarke Foundation
Queen Sponsor: Braddock Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

Jester Sponsors: Ameriprise Financial, Ian Lobo, CFP; Audley Farm; Loudoun Mutual Insurance Company; Rappahannock Electric Cooperative; Runyon Well and Pump; Suite Office Systems, LLC; TREX; Valley Health; Warfield Homes; Williams Inspection Services, LLC.

Reveler Sponsors: Battletown Environmental Consulting; Cambridge Companies; Chilly Hollow Brewery; Headley Conservation Services; Jim Barb Realty; Morris & Ritchie Associates, Inc.; Newtown Veterinary Clinic; Sweet Elephant Bakery; The Leesburg Dentists; Tidal Wave Athletics; Tiny Toes LLC; Wolfpack Accounting; Yount, Hyde and Barbor; Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury.

In-Kind Sponsors: Audley Farm; Dirt Farm Brewery; Harvue Cheese; NewTown Auction Gallery; Summit Events; The Catering Company; Grand Events.

Student Volunteers: CCHS DECA (marketing auction and serving), CCHS Robotics (parking), CCHS Yearbook (photography), CCHS Band (clean up).

The success of this extraordinary evening—filled with music, dancing, generosity, and community spirit—will leave a lasting legacy for Clarke County students and teachers for years to come.

To learn more about the Mardi Gras Gala or how you can support public education in Clarke County, visit www.ccefinc.org or contact Beth Williams at 540-692-9687.
Event photos are available at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sE2uKAMY4GWlB_sbkpflRHsKmBxDk5th?usp=sharing

About the Clarke County Education Foundation
The Clarke County Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Clarke County Public Schools through scholarships, classroom grants, and funding for innovative programs that enhance educational opportunities for all students. Through strong community partnerships and generous donors, CCEF is building a brighter future for Clarke County.