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THE BUSINESS OF EATING

Chips, birdies, buffets and bogies to feed our homebound neighbors

September 12, 2015

The 38th annual Harry Derrickson Golf Tournament Banquet took place on Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Rehoboth Beach Country Club. Along with the Top Chef of the Culinary Coast event in June, and the Wheels for Meals Bike Ride Event in May, the golf tournament is one of the very few local Meals on Wheels events where every penny raised stays right here in Sussex County.

The actual golf tournament took place Monday, Sept. 14, with modified rules and special competitions to make it a fun afternoon that actually ends on time. It also gave RBCC nonmembers a chance to experience the otherwise private course overlooking Delaware Bay. Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth board member David Humes has worked tirelessly to ensure a great time for the numerous foursomes. Of course, some of that great time can probably be attributed to afternoon refreshments on the links, courtesy of Dogfish Head Brewery.

The highlights of the Sunday evening pre-tournament banquet (for which the public can purchase tickets, by the way) were the live and silent auctions. Every year, generous sponsors up the ante with even more amazing auction items. One of the most valuable items for 2015 is an all-inclusive Riverboat Cruise donated by Accent on Travel in Rehoboth Beach. The entire experience is worth over $8,000! In her delightful Irish brogue, Mary Murphy from Accent on Travel described the cruise in detail on last week’s Sip & Bite with the Rehoboth Foodie radio show. You can listen to that podcast by going to Delaware1059.com, clicking “features” and then “podcasts.” I cannot be responsible if you have an uncontrollable urge for Shepherd’s Pie and a lukewarm Guinness pint after you listen to Mary talk.

Attendees are still talking about last year’s bidding war between delightful hotelier Elyse Moore and Bethany Beach Realtor Leslie Kopp. The prize? Dinner and wine for 10, prepared and served in your home by Touch of Italy owner Bob Ciprietti and the Rehoboth Foodie. When the bidding between Elyse and Leslie surged past the $4,000 mark, Ciprietti jumped up and announced that both would get a dinner. That single item raised almost $9,000 to help feed our homebound neighbors! The dinner at Leslie Kopp’s house included an unscheduled floor show as the Touch of Italy boss and the Rehoboth Foodie managed to set off the fire alarms in the building. It was nothing more than a bit of smoke, but what better way to meet Bethany’s finest firefighters! I have been assured by all concerned that that performance will not be repeated this year….

There are too many auction items to be listed here, but some of the highlights include an autographed, limited-edition photograph from Kevin Fleming; a sterling silver and 18kt gold diamond necklace from Elegant Slumming (worth $2,300!); and 100 (yup, count ‘em - 100) bottles of wine from Atlantic Liquors, personally selected by oenophile and Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth Board President John Wolfle. Harry K Jewelers donated several stunning items, and Above the Clouds in Napa Valley is offering a three-night stay, airfare for two, a gourmet lunch, a winery tour and a chauffeur to a lucky winner. That one’s worth about $4,000.

Numerous dinners, gift certificates and prizes were up for grabs through the generosity of the Back Porch Café, Apple Electric, Sea Glass Fine Art Photography, Auto Gallery, Marsh Island Golf Club, Holland Jewelers, Kings Creek Country Club, Palate Café, Pat’s Pizza, Kilwins Chocolates and Hickman’s Meat Market, just to name a few.

Sound like fun? Mark your calendars and polish your putter for next year in September! And don't forget the 3rd annual Top Chef of the Culinary Coast event in June 2016, And it all goes to benefit your local Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth. I’ll see you there!


Bob Yesbek is a serial foodie and can be reached at byesbek@CapeGazette.com.


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