Guardian’s Haven Project, a nonprofit founded by Army National Guard combat veteran Erin Chism, will host its annual Farm-to-Table Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, September 27, 2025, on the beautiful grounds of Homestead Farm in Warrenton. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. for self-guided tours of the farm’s botanical gardens and walking trails, with dinner served at approximately 6:30 p.m.

The evening will feature a locally sourced gourmet dinner, highlighting seasonal fruits, vegetables, and meats from farms in the community. Guests will enjoy local beer from Bragging Rooster, wine from Seven Springs Farm and Vineyard, live music by Haley Ellis and The Hundley Brothers, along with a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance.

For tickets, click here.

ABOUT GUARDIAN’S HAVEN PROJECT

Guardian’s Haven Project was founded by Chism after serving in Afghanistan in 2012–2013 with the 514th Military Police Company, 60th Troop Command. During that deployment, the unit sustained multiple casualties, including SSG Donna Johnson, SGT Jeremy Hardison, and SGT Thomas J. Butler IV. Inspired by their sacrifice and motivated by the challenges veterans face accessing care through the VA, Chism created Guardian’s Haven Project to provide meaningful, trauma-informed support for veterans and first responders.

“Our mission is to honor the fallen by supporting the living,” said Chism. “Through trauma informed equine-assisted therapy, horticultural therapy, opportunities to learn self-sustaining skills, and camaraderie, Guardian’s Haven Project offers a place for healing, purpose, and community.”

Homestead Farm, the family property where Guardian’s Haven Project is based, has been transformed by Chism’s parents, Steven and Susan Bender, into a welcoming destination with gardens, trails, and gathering spaces. The farm is open to the public every Saturday and serves as the backdrop for the nonprofit’s programs and events.

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If you were anywhere near downtown Warrenton on Saturday, August 30, you probably heard the music, smelled the food, or saw South Bragg Street glowing with string lights and conversation. That’s because more than 80 guests gathered for the 4th annual Dinner Off Main hosted by BriCie Events owner, Patricia Jones Crosson.

But, this was no ordinary dinner.

Picture this: a perfect summer evening, round tables with exquisite placements stretching across the street, family and friends sharing stories and laughs. Guests even came in from as far as the DMV, Charlotte, and Raleigh to join in on the celebration.

DJ TKO from Wake County dropped a playlist that kept attendees pulling out their line dance moves all night. A new addition to the party was the Dinner Off Main Lounge, a chill spot for guests to enjoy cigars and hookah.

The event caterer, Pleasurable Plates served up a tantalizing menu featuring baked chicken, meatballs, spinach dip, and more, that left guests with the full package: good vibes, full plates, and even fuller hearts.

The real centerpiece of the evening, though, wasn’t the food or the music.

It was the moment three local students were awarded the Virginia Levister Educational Scholarship, honoring the late John Graham High employee’s commitment to education and opportunity.

Honorees Tranique Kearney has made her presence known at UNC-Charlotte and Raleigh Pierce has began his educational journey at Campbell University. Demontay Hawkins was unable to attend, but his proud parents accepted the award on behalf of the Keystone College freshman.

As their names were called, applause echoed through Bragg Street, proof that the community will lift each other higher, especially for our youth.

When the scholars initially applied for the scholarship, they were told the potential award would be $750. Because of the overwhelming generosity from those who understand the strain of college tuition and expenses, the amount was increased to $800 for each student.

The evening came to an end in its traditional form. The event volunteers handed out sparklers to light up the night sky. This year, they added white hankerchiefs, turning Bragg Street into New Orleans.

And none of this magic would’ve been possible without the sponsors who had the community’s back: BriCie Events, URBAN 360, Bythe & Company, WRTN, and Bragging Rooster, which kept the party festive with fruity cocktails as the drink sponsor.

Now in its fourth year, Dinner Off Main has grown into Warrenton’s can’t-miss summer experience, one overflowing with elegance, togetherness, and a reason to raise a glass to our community’s future.

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In its third year, Dinner Off Main has become the perfect precursor for the Labor Day weekend.

Taking over South Bragg Street on Saturday, August 31st, the proceeds from Dinner Off Main benefit the Virginia Levister scholarship for college-bound high school students in Warren County, NC. Tickets are $50.

Warrenist TV met with Patricia Jones Crosson of BriCie Events to learn more about Dinner Off Main, the woman who changed her life’s trajectory, and why the party’s location carries such personal significance for her.

To purchase tickets, send her a message at: https://www.facebook.com/trish.jones.3914 or visit Bragging Rooster in Warrenton, NC.

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Learn about grant writing, meet business-minded people in your area, and support local young entrepreneurs!

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), a global celebration of entrepreneurship that occurs in the second week of November, from November 14–20 this year. During this week, people from over 200 countries worldwide operate an array of programs aimed at making it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business.

A collaboration with Warren Area Business Association (WABA), Access Warren, and the Warren County Cooperative Extension, all GEW Warren County events are FREE and open to the public.

WARREN COUNTY GEW 2022 EVENTS

Monday, November 14 @ 7pm
COMMUNITY RESOURCE PRESENTATION
Meet the President/CEO of Gateway CDC to find out what types of services this local organization can help with. Hint: you don’t have to pay thousands or even hundreds for logos and/or a brand.
Bragging Rooster
120 South Main Street
Warrenton, NC 27589

Tuesday, November 15 @ 7pm
GRANTS 101
Join us at the Frontier Warren Co-Working Space in Warrenton for a Virtual Conversation with Bethany Niebauer of Axial Compliance about grant writing for beginners.
Frontier Warren Co-working Space
140 South Main Street
Warrenton, NC 27589

Wednesday, November 16 @ 7pm
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES COFFEE TALK
Meet and greet with some area resources that can help you with funding ideas. Join us while we talk with representatives from Kerr-Tar COG and the Town of Warrenton.
Lake Gaston Coffee
104 Wellington Way
Littleton, NC

Thursday, November 17 @ 7pm
SPEED NETWORKING BUSINESS CARD BINGO
Time for Speed Networking! Grab your business cards and come prepared to make connections with other entrepreneurs in our area.
Roxie’s
109 South Hall Street
Warrenton, NC

Saturday, November 19 @ 10am-2pm
WABA KIDS ART + ENTREPRENEURSHIP MARKET
Get your holiday shopping started off right at the 3rd WABA Kids Arts & Entrepreneurship Market. Find baked goods, art, clothing, fiber works, cotton candy and more from our budding business owners.
Frontier Warren Co-working Space
140 South Main Street
Warrenton, NC

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