This community should be proud of the hardworking people who seek to help others through the numerous benevolent and volunteer organizations located throughout the Heart of Virginia.

There’s one in particular, though, that deserves great credit and recognition. 

Organizers of the popular Farmville Wine Festival broke two records two weeks ago, which will result in more food for the elderly and those unable to provide for themselves.

More than 800 people flocked to the eighth annual event, held at Riverside Park on a sunny Saturday, netting $17,000.

According to event organizer Cheryl Gibson, the event saw “the largest attendance ever.”

The most the event has previously ever brought in during a single festival, she said, was about $11,000.

These numbers are a testament to the amazing drive, dedication and passion those who help organize the event have for helping people, as every dollar taken in goes directly to Meals on Wheels of Prince Edward County.

The nonprofit organization provides hot, nutritious meals daily for those unable to provide for themselves.

“The funding we receive from sponsors and donors helps us to subsidize client meals as most clients are unable to pay full price for their meals and many get them for free,” volunteers say on the Meals on Wheels website.

“We receive no state or federal funding and rely on our community,” volunteers said.

The fact that Meals on Wheels relies only on us makes events and fundraisers, such as the Farmville Wine Festival, all the more important for us to support and take part in.