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Culpepper Garden brought supporters, first responders and community leaders together on Saturday, June 6, for its annual BBQ & Blooms fundraiser, where a $5,000 appeal aimed to keep a new resident bus operating for another six months.

Although the celebration took place indoors at Rock Spring United Church of Christ, oversized daffodils throughout the room evoked Culpepper Garden’s spacious grounds. A photo booth welcomed guests near the entrance, where two Arlington County Police Department officers sampled props for free take-home pictures. Other local first responders attended, including Chief Andy Penn.

“This is always one of our favorite events of the year,” ACPD Deputy Chief David Giroux said.

The Starlight Orchestra supplied background music as attendees chose among shredded pork, chicken, salmon and brisket from Mission BBQ, accompanied by potato salad and baked beans. Guests also browsed auction packages featuring a luxury Washington escape, Livin’ the Pie Life, fitness classes, Meadow Farms and other offerings.

Culpepper Garden President Marta Hill Gray called the gathering the organization’s highlight of the year. She recognized first responders, board members, staff and longtime supporters, emphasizing that the board plays a critical role in keeping the organization on track.

Gray also said Goodwin Health is now in the building and that residents have expressed excitement about how the addition has improved their lives.

“We are entering a new era,” she said. “We are raising the bar.”

State Sen. Barbara Favola, a Culpepper Garden board member for 10 years, praised its resident-centered services and the staff’s knowledge of each resident’s needs. She said the organization fills a distinctive role by helping Arlington seniors maintain their independence.

Favola introduced Del. Patrick Hope, who presented Legacy of Grace Awards to Dr. Robert Breiner, Bartlett Collins Naylor and Virginia Housing. The three philanthropic partners were honored for contributions that have strengthened Culpepper Garden’s mission.

Hope said presenting the awards was the best part of the event and called for more communities like Culpepper Garden across Virginia.

Master of Ceremonies Jane Hess Collins then highlighted the organization’s new 15-passenger bus. Since January, it had traveled 450 miles and provided 166 trips for 47 individual residents.

Collins said the fundraiser sought $5,000 to operate the bus for the next six months. An anonymous donor pledged to match the amount raised.

After joking that she had been told to keep speaking until the goal was met, Collins asked the Starlight Orchestra to choose a song that would inspire contributions. Following a quick consultation, the musicians launched into a customized refrain: “Donate. Donate. Donate on the river.”

Culpepper Garden is an award-winning, low-income independent-living retirement community in Arlington. BBQ & Blooms is its annual fundraising event.