After a year’s hiatus for the event, the Free Clinic of Culpeper is pleased to again hold its Oyster Fest fundraiser. This evening event helps support clinic services that provide lifesaving medical care and prescriptions to community members in need who do not have health insurance.
The Oyster Fest dinner, music and silent auction will take place on Saturday, October 2 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm at Rock Hill Farm, a full service event venue in Culpeper County. Cap’n Corbin’s Seafood provides the bountiful buffet meal, which includes fresh oysters cooked three ways, pig roast, a variety of salads, hush puppies and dessert.
While dining, attendees will enjoy the music of Culpeper band A.P. Project, offering a unique blend of Americana, country, and classic rock songs.
“We are so appreciative of the local support that this event receives,” said clinic director Tammy LaGraffe. “From the beautiful event site to the food to the music, along with all the wonderful sponsors and silent auction donations and attendees, the Culpeper community truly shines in their support of Oyster Fest.”
The silent auction features a variety of items and activities. These include a private tour and tasting for up to 8 people at Prince Michel Winery, Adirondack chairs made locally by MelloWood, a handmade quilt, gift cards from Culpeper dining and food establishments such as Peppers Grill and Knakal’s Bakery, a wine basket from Mountain Run Winery, fine jewelry from Pepperberries and The Cameleer, and much more.
According to LaGraffe, Oyster Fest is the clinic’s largest fundraiser, and the proceeds, along with other donations, comprise two thirds of the clinic’s budget. The remaining one third of the clinic’s funding is through the state and grants.
In 2020 the clinic served more than 500 patients, and medical care and prescriptions provided were valued at more than $1.3 million. “We saw on average 20 new patients each month,” observed LaGraffe. “Our services continued during the pandemic, with telehealth appointments offered during a portion of the year for everyone’s safety.”
In 2021, the clinic earned its second gold rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Quality Standards Program. Ongoing partnerships with UVA Extension and the Minority Farmers of Culpeper have offered nutrition education and fresh vegetables to patients. During the summer the clinic held a wellness series on topics of general interest. “Our goal is to serve as a resource for our patients to learn more about managing their health and wellness,” said LaGraffe, adding, “Proceeds from OysterFest will help support some of these initiatives.”
Event tickets and sponsorships may be purchased online at https://freeclinicofculpeper.org/news-events/annual-oyster-fest/ Inquiries may be directed to clinic director Tammy LaGraffe at tlagraffe@culpeperwellness.org
The Free Clinic of Culpeper provides confidential medical care to uninsured residents of Culpeper between the ages of 18 and 65 who have incomes at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level. The Free Clinic is managed by the Culpeper Wellness Foundation.