ISSUED: 28 August 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — The annual Scarborough Society Gala on August 8, 2025, at The Bavarian Inn, Resort, and Brewing Company in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, welcomed 150 guests for an elegant evening in support of Shepherd University’s Scarborough Library.
Hosted by Shepherd University Foundation’s Scarborough Society, the gala raised more than $36,000—funds that will directly enhance library programs, technology, and spaces that enhance the student experience.
Scarborough Society President Ann Baronner elaborated, saying that proceeds from the event, combined with annual membership gifts, will support a range of improvements, from updating the children’s library section and funding subscriptions to creating a Community Reading Room and renovating spaces.
“We appreciate everything that each of our sponsors and guests do to support the Society’s mission,” Bronner said.
This year’s Scarborough Society Gala was themed after The Phantom of the Opera, drawing inspiration from the classic French novel and its musical adaptation. The decor was inspired by the grandeur of the Paris Opera House, the novel’s fictional setting, and featured gothic flourishes, a custom-built backdrop depicting the opera house itself, and dramatic candelabras. Table centerpieces incorporated red roses and magnolia blooms, masquerade masks, and framed sheet music from the musical. Floral arrangements were designed by gala committee member Joy Lewis.
Additional committee members included Ann Baronner, Danielle Deuell, Cara Keys, Kathy Klein, Sara Maene, and Michele Maiden, under the leadership of Shepherd University Foundation Executive Vice President Sherri Janelle and Foundation Director of Donor Engagement and Strategic Initiatives Meg Patterson.
Presenting sponsors were Jefferson Security Bank, United Bank, and Al Lueck, whose gift honored his late wife, Sara. Gold-level sponsors were Truist and Snyder Environmental Services Inc. Silver-level sponsors were Ray and Mary Alvarez, Conrad Luttrell LLP, Ben and Danielle Deuell, Insurance Outfitters, and Wealthspire Advisors LLC.
Additional community support came from Ann Baronner, Bowles Rice LLP, Coffee House Farm LLC, Gat Creek, Chris and Sherri Janelle, Keys Valuation, Dick and Kathy Klein, McMorgan and Co., Sean Murtagh and Kirsten Martin, Ours, Lawyer, Lewis & Co. PLLC, Rotary Club of Shepherdstown, SEK, CPAs & Advisors, Austin and Carmen Slater, Smallwood & Small Insurance, WVU Medicine, and YHB, CPAs & Consultants
To learn more about annual memberships to the Scarborough Society, contact the Shepherd University Foundation Office at 304-876-5021 or email Meg Patterson at mpeterso@shepherd.edu.
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