Dave’s Dewey Dash to raise funds for AEDs

The third annual Dave’s Dewey Dash continues its founder’s mission to raise funds to purchase AEDs for local businesses, spread awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and celebrate the life of a man gone too soon.

Laura Ashby organized the original event in 2021 to honor her son Dave Ashby, a Dewey resident who was only 28 when he died in his sleep of sudden cardiac arrest in October 2019.

With proceeds from the inaugural race, Laura funded construction of a memorial at the corner of Bellevue Street and Bayard Avenue near Dave’s former home. The small park comprises benches and an educational plaque with a QR code that links to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation.

Proceeds from last year’s race enabled Laura to purchase and donate nine AEDs to local businesses and police. In addition to AEDs purchased for the Dewey Beach Police Department, Laura bought devices for Children’s Beach House, Starboard Raw, Premier Community Association Management and DR’s Lawn Maintenance.

Dave’s Dewey Dash has partnered with Simon’s Heart, a 501(c)(3), so all donations and sponsorships are tax-deductible, Laura said.

The race is set for Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Rusty Rudder. To donate, sponsor or register for the run/walk, go to races2run.com.