About Us

History of the Star-Spangled Ball

Over 30 years ago, there were two Republican Women's Clubs (RWC) in Virginia Beach. In 1989 the late Jean Ford, a former Officer of the Virginia Federation of Republican Woman, Loretta Tate, Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia Beach (RPVB) and Catherine Colgan, a former President of the Texas Federation of Republican Women formed the Princess Anne RWC. They then combined forces to host a joint fundraiser to shadow the “Pink Elephant Ball” fundraiser held in San Antonio, Texas every year. It was agreed upon by Princess Anne RWC, Virginia Beach RWC, and the Beach Suburban RWC that the proposed project - The Star-Spangled Ball (SSB) would be their fundraiser. After some years the newly formed Nimmo RWC joined in on the project. During the mid 90’s, Karen Beauchamp became chairman for 18 years before her health intervened and Glenda Fiscus assumed leadership of the dedicated team of SSB volunteers who continue to assure its success.

Our first Star-Spangled Ball was in 1990 with a roast of Senator John Warner. Formally, there were speakers and even a talent show put on by the Elected Officials. We now have the Officials participate in the fundraising by sitting with sponsors who pay for their table. Officials also get to play at “working the crowd” during the cocktail hour and making new friends.

A few years ago, the Silent Auction was introduced during the cocktail hour and that has been a great success. We dress, we pray, we pledge to our country and sing our patriotic song then dinner is served the music plays. We all have a magnificent time. Most importantly, we raise money for our Republican Women's Clubs, who then contribute to our Republican candidates, the Republican Party of Virginia Beach, and caring for America within our community.

The women of the RWC’s raise money by selling advertisement for our Program Brochure, seek sponsors for the elected officials to be at their table, and sell tickets for the Ball. We also ask people in the community to donate items such as art, golf packages, gift baskets, fine wines, lunches with our electives and many other types of donations for our successful SSB Auction.

When all receipts are tallied, the money is divided between the four clubs evenly, except the down payment for the next year's event. Each RWC uses their share for contributing where they see fit.

Thank you to all who continue to participate in the annual Star-Spangled Ball, and your assistance in providing the funds required to continue electing Republicans to political office and raise the profile of our Republican Party throughout Virginia Beach.