by Carla Bream
The Virginia Federation of Republican Women (VFRW) held their 59th annual convention in Williamsburg last weekend. Members of the Roanoke Valley Republican Women (RVRW) attended the three day convention and earned the VFRW’s highest award, the GOLD Achievement Award.
To earn the GOLD award, the local RVRW club had to meet a series of goals throughout the year as well as excel in community service and volunteerism. The women donated money to local candidates, held fundraisers, donated books to the Barbara Bush Literary Fund, supported our troops overseas, donated supplies to local Roanoke area foster children as well as many other charitable endeavors.
The event was held at the Colonial Williamsburg Lodge and Convention Center, which featured many hospitality suites hosted by local and statewide dignitaries. Speakers included all four Republican candidates vying for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Senator Jim Webb. Former Gov. George Allen, Jamie Radtke, Bishop E. W. Jackson and Delegate Bob Marshall all had their turn to state why they would be the best Republican candidate to defeat Webb. The Republican primary will be held June 12th.
Saturday evening’s champagne reception was hosted by George & Susan Allen. The banquet featured RPV Chairman Pat Mullins and Lt. Governor Bill Bolling as keynote speakers, with special guests Jean Ann Bolling and new National Federation of Republican Women President Rae Chornenky. The RVRW were presented with their achievement award by Bolling and his wife. Elections for new VFRW officer’s was held, with Miki Miller being elected as the new President for a two year term.
The VFRW consists of about 70 local clubs throughout Virginia. They have a total membership of over 2,300 women and approximately 300 attended the convention.