The Warm Hearth Foundation’s island-inspired 12th Annual Cheeseburger In Parrot-Dise Fundraiser was a sizzling success, raising more than $85,000 for The Legacy Fund for Excellence to support advocacy, innovation and care for seniors in our community. This year’s event drew a sold-out crowd of 300 guests and featured the much-anticipated return of the Cheeseburger Throwdown, a fan-favorite competition that had everyone buzzing.
Local restaurants including Gardner’s Grill, Lost in Taste, and McClains at First & Main, along with Warm Hearth’s own Huckleberry Cafe, served up their best cheeseburgers to compete for “Best Burger in the Burgs”. McClain’s at First & Main was crowned winner for their Bacon Jam Burger. Celebrity judges had a hard time choosing as all four entries had their own appeal – from pimento cheese to onion ring toppers, these burgers were something to behold. Thanks to our guest judges that included Scott Stevens from Steve FM, Marissa Smith from Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, Sandra Bond from the Radford University Alumni Association and Edward Shaw from WSLS 10.
“Every bite and every bid supported seniors in our community,” said Tambra Dixon, Vice President of Philanthropy & Strategic Growth. “We are so grateful to our partners, volunteers, residents and guests for helping us make this our biggest and best event yet. Each year, for twelve years, this event has grown in size and proceeds all thanks to the generous support of our community.”
The event was emceed by Scott Stevens and featured local favorite Panjammers and the Randy Clay Band, a VIP pre-event tent, Blue Cow ice cream from Roanoke and a jam packed silent auction with gifts from many local businesses.
Pam, a first-time attendee shared that she was so impressed with the venue, flow and things to do that she’ll definitely be back. Another guest said he had no idea Warm Hearth was such a beautiful community and they felt so welcomed by everyone. The event is open to the public and is a great way to educate the community on Warm Hearth’s rich history and philanthropic mission. Todd, also a first-time attendee said he was impressed by how much Warm Hearth does to support seniors in need and was inspired by the senior living community’s mission to provide subsidized housing to more than 150 people on its campus.
Warm Hearth Village and the Foundation are grateful to all who participated – from our 31 loyal sponsors to more than 50 volunteers and 100+ silent auction donors as well as all who bought tickets. The event is held each year in early August so watch local calendars for next year’s date which will be announced in the spring of 2026.
