Guest bartenders raise $14,500 for Children and Families First
A guest bartender fundraising night for Children and Families First was held at Fish On in Lewes March 10. The competition was fierce, and each of the bartender teams definitely brought their A games. There were dance routines behind the bar and even on the bar. There were costumes galore. Best of all, there were challenges to make tips of $25 and above to earn custom-made buttons and roses and even kisses from the bartenders.
Most of the patrons happily tipped generously, knowing it would go to a worthy cause, and they also didn’t mind waiting for their drinks or being bumped about as they fought their way through the impressive crowd of supporters gathered to raise money and spread awareness.
The event was a first in the Sussex area. “We’ve hosted similar events in New Castle in the past year with success, but no one anticipated the excitement and success we are witnessing this evening,” said Chief Development Officer Elizabeth Dougherty.
Children and Families First is a nonprofit organization focused on helping children facing adversity on their journey to adulthood. The agency uses proven methods to help Delaware families raise their children so they can flourish with a continuum of programs spanning mental health, healthcare, education and social services, and work together to support families through major life phases: helping moms have healthy babies, enhancing early childhood success, supporting teens, positive parenting and family resources for success at home and work.
Laura Rimmer, Sussex development coordinator, gave credit where credit was due. “Our Sussex-Kent Development Committee recruited an impressive group of high-energy teams that put a lot of energy into promoting this fundraiser and making sure everyone they knew was here tonight.” Those bartenders included board members, area business owners, local physicians, lawyers, fitness coaches, financial planners, realtors and more - all of whom went way outside the box to become some of the most impressive novice bartenders since Tom Cruise stepped into "Cocktail."
Bartenders were sent behind the bar in teams of two, with the end goal being to raise the most money in tips they could during their 20-minute shift. The pressure was on, but each team raised no less than $1,000. In the end, the Schell Sisters, Kathleen and Lori Schell, were the proud recipients of the trophy for first place, having raised a phenomenal $4,700.
Rimmer also commended the partnership between CFF and Fish On, confirming that beyond the tips to the bartenders, Fish On also donated 10 percent of all dining proceeds that evening. “Neila, Stefana and Scott took a leap with us, hosting this for the first time, and we are so grateful they did. Their support has helped CFF make critical inroads in the Sussex area, and we were thrilled to bring in over 350 patrons tonight who will return to Fish On knowing they had a great time here.”
Chief Executive Officer Leslie Newman was in attendance for the event and she was overjoyed with the dynamism in the room, saying, “As I circulated to thank those who came, they clearly knew why they were there. The evening raised much-needed funds, helped spread the word about our important work and was lots of fun, actually joyous. I am so grateful.”
The overall results at the end of the three-hour event were impressive. Through bartender tips, a 50/50 raffle and two silent auction baskets donated by the Sussex-Kent Development Committee, Children and Families First received $14,500 in total donation monies. “The impact of the monies raised in these short three hours will resonate in the lives of children throughout Sussex County for years to come,” said Rimmer, “I am truly grateful to everyone who came, donated, and took the time to learn more about Children and Families First tonight. I look forward to seeing this outreach continue to ripple outward as our Sussex-Kent Development Committee works diligently throughout this year.”
For more about Children and Families First, go to www.cffde.org.
