The Stafford-Morris Dinner

See the Photos from the 13th Annual Stafford-Morris Dinner:

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About the Stafford-Morris Dinner

The Biggest Night in SWVA Politics

Since its inception in 2013, the Giles County Republican Committee's Stafford-Morris Dinner has gone from fundraising experiment to a staple event for Republicans in Southwest Virginia and all across the Commonwealth. The Dinner brings together approximately 150-200 GOP activists and leaders from around Virginia and serves as the Committee's chief fundraiser for the year. In past years, dozens of statewide candidates have visited the Dinner to get out their message. Zack Thompson and Aidan Williams serve as co-chairs of the Dinner.

The Keynote Speaker

The Giles GOP has been honored to welcome a number of high-profile keynote speakers each year, including Governor Glenn Youngkin & his wife Suzanne, former U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, former Virginia Governors George Allen and Bob McDonnell, former RNC Chairman Ed Gillespie, former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore, Congressman Morgan Griffith, Senator Mark Obenshain, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, & Attorney General Jason Miyares Keynote speakers touch on topics of their choosing through either a keynote address or a "fireside chat."

The Venue, Caterer, and Program

The Stafford-Morris Dinner has been held at the Briarwood Estate, a residence in Pearisburg, Virginia, as well as Buckeye Farm in Newport, Virginia. With the rise in attendance, the event has been held at Walker Creek Retreat in Pearisburg. The meal is catered by the award-winning Palisades Restaurant of Eggleston. As the buffet line moves along, guests usually hear an update from Rep. Morgan Griffith and take time to enjoy the printed Dinner program. After attendees receive their meal, our sponsors deliver remarks, followed by a speech or discussion with our Keynote Speaker. The Committee also conducts a straw poll of statewide candidates.