HONORING A LEGACY
For more than 26 years, Jon Burkett has been a trusted voice in Central Virginia as the Crime Insider for WTVR CBS 6. Before becoming one of Virginia's most respected journalists, Jon proudly served our country in the United States Navy.
Join us for an unforgettable black-tie evening as we celebrate his extraordinary career, his commitment to the community, and the next exciting chapter of his journey.
EVENT DETAILS
📅 Date
Friday, September 18, 2026
🕖 Time 7:00 PM
📍 Location
Virginia Union University Living & Learning Center
1813 Bath Street Richmond, VA 23222
👔 Attire
Black Tie
👥 Expected Attendance
200+ Community Leaders, Business Owners, Public Officials, and Supporters
Music By:
DJ Lonnie B
Special Guests
Jay Baxter and Band
✨ GO VIP FOR JON! — $100
Make the celebration even more special with the VIP Experience!
🥂 Early Access to the Event
⭐ Preferred Seating
🍾 Champagne & Cocktails
🎁 Exclusive VIP Swag Bag
🍽️ Dinner & Entertainment
Limited VIP tickets available — secure yours early!
📺💙 26 YEARS OF JON BURKETT — WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
📺💙 26 YEARS OF JON BURKETT — WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
For 26 years, Jon Burkett has served our community, told our stories, shared our moments and created memories with so many people along the way.
Now it's our turn to celebrate HIM! 🎉
As we prepare for an uplifting evening honoring Jon and his retirement, we're inviting the entire community to help us celebrate these incredible 26 years.
💬 Send your congratulations or well wishes.
❤️ Share your favorite Jon Burkett story or memory.
📸 Share a special photo.
🎥 Record a short video message.
📰 Tell us about special Jon Burkett memorabilia you may have.
Whether Jon covered a story that meant something to you, showed up in your community, made you laugh, encouraged you, or you simply welcomed him into your home through television over the years — your memories are part of his story too.
⭐ WANT TO BE FEATURED IN THE RETIREMENT PROGRAM?
To be considered for inclusion in the official Jon Burkett Retirement Celebration program or tribute, your message, story, photo or video must be submitted through our official form.
Selected submissions may be featured in the event program, tribute presentation, displays and other celebration materials.
Please keep submissions positive, uplifting and appropriate for this special occasion.
✨ Let's fill this celebration with 26 years of stories, laughter, memories, love and THANK YOU'S!
Jon spent 26 years helping tell our community's stories. Now, Richmond, help us tell his. 💙
🔗 SUBMIT HERE:
BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY
Sponsor commitments are requested by
August 28, 2026
Join us in honoring Jon Burkett's incredible legacy while investing in the future of our community.
The Next Chapter
A Retirement Gala Honoring Jon Burkett
Celebrating 26 Years of Truth, Service & Storytelling
Friday, September 18, 2026 • 7:00 PM
Virginia Union University
Living & Learning Center
1813 Bath Street
Richmond, VA 23220
WHY SPONSOR?
Your sponsorship directly supports the event while celebrating one of Central Virginia's most respected journalists.
As a sponsor you'll receive:
✔ Brand Recognition
✔ Community Exposure
✔ VIP Networking Opportunities
✔ Marketing Before & During the Event
✔ Recognition in Printed Program
✔ Recognition Across Social Media
Presenting Sponsor
Exclusive Naming Rights
Speaking Opportunity
Full Page Program Ad
Premier Logo Placement
VIP Table for 10
Legacy Sponsor
VIP Table for 8
Full Page Program Ad
Logo Recognition
Excellence Sponsor
Reserved Table for 8
Half Page Program Ad
Recognition During Event
Community Sponsor
Quarter Page Program Ad
Program Recognition
Recognition During Event
Friend of the Foundation
Program Listing
Recognition During Event
IN-KIND SPONSORSHIP
Businesses can also support the event by donating:
• Gift Baskets
• Gift Cards
• Hotel Stays
• Restaurant Experiences
• Photography
• Videography
• Floral Arrangements
• Event Décor
• Printing Services
• Electronics
• Sports Tickets
• Vacation Packages
• Raffle Prizes
• Catering
• Event Rentals
• Transportation
• Professional Services
FAQs
The Next Chapter is a black-tie retirement gala honoring Jon Burkett's remarkable career and celebrating his 26 years of truth, service, and storytelling in Central Virginia.
What is The Next Chapter?
The Next Chapter is a black-tie retirement gala honoring Jon Burkett's remarkable career and celebrating his 26 years of truth, service, and storytelling in Central Virginia.
When and where is the event?
Friday, September 18, 2026
7:00 PM
Virginia Union University
Living & Learning Center
1813 Bath Street
Richmond, VA 23220
How can my business become a sponsor?
Choose the sponsorship level that best fits your organization and complete the sponsorship form on this page. A member of our team will contact you with next steps.
What is the dress code?
This is a Black-Tie Gala. Guests are encouraged to wear formal evening attire as we celebrate Jon Burkett's extraordinary legacy.
These FAQs will feel much more professional and directly answer the questions sponsors and attendees are most likely to have.
What sponsorship levels are available?
Presenting Sponsor — $10,000
Legacy Sponsor — $5,000
Excellence Sponsor — $2,500
Community Sponsor — $1,000
Friend of the Foundation — $500
Each level includes recognition and exclusive event benefits.
Can I make an in-kind donation?
Yes! We welcome donations such as:
Gift baskets
Hotel stays
Restaurant gift cards
Photography & videography
Floral arrangements
Event décor
Printing
Electronics
Sports tickets
Vacation packages
Catering
Transportation
Professional services
Is my sponsorship tax deductible?
Please contact the Ricky Johnson & Friends Foundation for information regarding tax-deductible contributions and sponsorship documentation.
Will individual tickets be available?
Yes. Individual ticket information will be announced soon. Sponsorship packages receive priority seating and additional recognition.
FAQ: Why is A RJFoundationSpecials listed as the contact for the Jon Burkett Retirement Celebration?
RJFoundationSpecials and AParty4U is serving as a central point of contact for event-related questions and inquiries. This allows the planning team to keep event communication organized while respecting the privacy of Jon Burkett, Johnson, their families, and other personal contacts.
If you have questions regarding tickets, sponsorships, the celebration, submitting memories or well wishes, or general event information, please use the contact information provided on the official event flyer or website.
Questions?
Thank you to our Sponsors
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