In true Derby fashion, guests arrived in striking hats, colorful spring attire, and polished bow ties for the 2nd Annual “Off to the Races” charity event benefiting We Are VB. Held Saturday, May 2, at the Alanton home of founder Jennifer Dye and Thomas Dye, the evening brought together community members for a celebration centered as much on compassion as tradition.

Guests arrived at 5 p.m. ready to toast the excitement of the Kentucky Derby while supporting We Are VB’s mission to assist local public high school students facing homelessness and housing insecurity. From elaborate fascinators and pastel dresses to classic Derby jackets and bow ties, attendees embraced the spirit of the evening while competing for Best Hat and Best Dressed Man.

The sounds of Radio 80s filled cocktail hour as guests mingled around televisions surrounding the bar and dance floor, purchasing fundraising squares in anticipation of the Derby’s iconic race. After the excitement of the race, the band resumed playing as guests returned to the dance floor and continued the celebration late into the evening. Throughout the night, the atmosphere balanced celebration with purpose, bringing attention to the growing needs of vulnerable students within the Virginia Beach community.

Representatives from We Are VB clubs at Ocean Lakes High School and First Colonial High School were also in attendance, highlighting the organization’s growing impact within local schools.

One of the evening’s most moving moments came through remarks delivered by First Colonial High School School Improvement Specialist Kirsten Burdsal, affectionately known to many students as the school’s “snack lady.” Burdsal shared that while the school pantry provides food to students in need, its purpose extends far beyond meals and snacks. “It provides a safe zone in the school,” she explained, describing a space where students can find comfort, consistency, and trusted support. 

Burdsal spoke candidly about the realities many students quietly face, sharing stories that illustrated how seemingly small acts of care can profoundly alter a student’s future. One student, a senior navigating difficult circumstances at home, began seeking tutoring and improving academically after staff members remembered and saved his favorite breakfast bar for him. Another student, despite excelling academically, had been quietly struggling with food insecurity and instability at home. Through relationships built in the pantry, she was connected with food resources, clothing, and college support, ultimately earning enough scholarships to attend college debt-free. 

She also highlighted the work of First Colonial students who launched the school’s We Are VB club this year. Their efforts included food drives, coat collections, and a formalwear event that allowed fellow students to “shop” for prom dresses, suits, and accessories in an uplifting environment designed with dignity and celebration in mind. 

“In closing,” Burdsal shared, “the food pantry at First Colonial High School is about so much more than food; it’s about connection, support, and giving students a sense of stability and care.” 

As the evening continued beneath a sea of Derby hats and spirited conversation, the event served as a reminder that community support often begins with simple acts of generosity -- and that those acts can change the course of a young person’s life.

To learn more about We Are VB, support its mission, volunteer, or contribute to programs serving students across Virginia Beach, visit [wearevb.org](https://www.wearevb.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com). Community members interested in getting involved can also connect directly with founder Jennifer Dye through the organization to learn how to support one of Alanton’s own residents making a meaningful impact across the wider city community.