Rep. Robert Joseph “Rob” Wittman will serve as the orator for the 121st Holly Ball on December 30 at Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club.
The black tie invitational charity event benefits the Tidewater Foundation, reported publicity chairman Patricia Gallagher. Proceeds reach the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula communities through grants from the foundation.
Rep. Wittman was elected to Virginia’s First District seat in December 2007. He was re-elected for his second full-term in 2010. Rep. Wittman won his first campaign for public office in 1986 when he was elected to the Montross Town Council, where he served for 10 years, four as mayor. In 1995, he was elected to the Westmoreland board of supervisors and served as chairman in 2003. In 2005, voters in the 99th Legislative District elected him to the Virginia House of Delegates, where he served until he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Rep. Wittman serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Natural Resources. He earned a reputation for being an advocate for men and women in uniform and for being a champion of the Chesapeake Bay, said Gallagher.
On the Armed Services Committee, Rep. Wittman serves as the chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee and on subcommittees on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces. He co-chairs the Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus, where he is a staunch advocate for a robust Naval fleet and a healthy domestic shipbuilding industry.
On the Committee on Natural Resources, Rep. Wittman brings his professional expertise in water quality, fisheries and other natural resource issues. He is a champion of the Chesapeake Bay and has introduced legislation that will increase the accountability and effectiveness of cleaning up the bay.
In December 2010, Rep. Wittman was appointed to serve as the chairman of the U.S. Naval Academy’s board of visitors. Prior to his election to Congress, he spent 26 years working in state government, most recently as field director for the Virginia Health Department’s Division of Shellfish Sanitation. Earlier, he worked for many years as an environmental health specialist for Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions.
“The Committee of the Holly Ball and the Tidewater Foundation board are delighted and honored by Congressman Wittman’s willingness to deliver remarks at the Holly Ball,” said Gallagher.
Queen Susan Elizabeth Haynie will reign over the Holly Realm. The presentation of the debutantes will begin at 8 p.m. Rep. Wittman will then deliver his speech, followed by a figure performed by the debutantes and their escorts. At 9 p.m., guests pay tribute to former debutantes as anticipation builds for the crowning of the new queen chosen by all in attendance. At 10 p.m., Rep. Wittman will crown the Queen of the Holly Realm. Music will be provided by The Kings of Swing until the ball concludes at midnight.
Tickets are available in advance and not sold at the door. For tickets, call 761-0401.
