Pathways to Success receives proceeds of Big Birthday Bash

Chef Gretchen Hanson asked a simple question on Facebook which led to a successful birthday fundraiser. When she asked what she should do for her birthday, ideas sparked. Eventually, the overwhelming choice was a nonprofit fundraiser. A four-way race among Pathways to Success, Fund For Women Delaware, Delmarva Public Radio and Conservation International led to a high-spirited voting weekend, and Pathways to Success was the winner chosen to receive the proceeds.

With only a short time to plan, Grotto Pizza donated the second floor of its Rehoboth Avenue location and offered 20 percent of the proceeds. Event committee members Eileen Hagerty, Kristen Homan and Sarah Gilmour raised an additional $1,300 from sponsors, making the event total over $1,500. Community members all wearing sparkle-themed attire attended Gretchen Hanson's Big Birthday Bash Feb. 1.

Fay Blake, executive director of Pathways to Success, said, "It is people like Gretchen Hanson and companies like Grotto Pizza that make our community so special. This fundraiser not only raised money for our organization but helped build awareness about what we do to help at-risk youth attending Cape Henlopen High School, Seaford High School and Sussex Technical High School. We are so appreciative and will be using the money raised for our at-risk teens."

For more information about Pathways to Success, go to www.pathways-2-success.org or contact Outreach Coordinator Sarah Gilmour at 302-381-1494 or sarahgilmour@verizon.net.