From Sipping Wine to Supporting Families

I’ll be honest, the Norfolk Wine Festival is one of my favorite events of the year. There’s just something magical about sipping a glass of wine under the open sky, chatting with strangers who feel like old friends by the second pour, and hearing live music drift through the air while you nibble on something delicious from a food truck. It’s one of those moments where everything feels lighter, easier.

But while I was people-watching between tastings this year, something hit me. All around me were people enjoying themselves, unwinding, just living in the moment. And I thought about the families staying at our local Ronald McDonald House, who are living a very different kind of moment.

They’re not thinking about the next festival. They’re thinking about their child’s next appointment. They’re figuring out how to make it through the day while being far from home. That contrast stayed with me.

Events like the Norfolk Wine Festival remind me why local support matters. Virginia is full of generous hearts and incredible donation charities, and I’ve seen what happens when people choose to give. It doesn’t have to be huge. A little bit of help can go a long way for a family in crisis.

So, if you ever leave a fun event like that feeling grateful (and maybe a little sun-kissed), consider paying it forward. There are donation charities in Virginia doing incredible work, and Ronald McDonald House in Norfolk is one of them. You can learn more at rmhcnorfolk.org.