Third time still charms for CFF guest bartender fundraiser

Fish On! in Lewes recently hosted the 3rd Annual Guest Bartender Night to benefit Children & Families First. Online tips poured in at an all-time high prior to the event, and cash and check donations continued during the evening, thanks to the committed efforts, creative costumes and incentives offered by this year’s 24 guest bartenders. A total of $17,729 was raised for CFF.

Winning the coveted first-place trophy were Jessica Bain and Ali DiSabatino of Team Bosom Buddies, who raised $3,096. “This was my first year behind the bar, so I have even more gratitude for the hard work these volunteers put into fundraising for the children and families who need us most,” said Bain, a CFF board member and chair of the Sussex Development Committee.

Following closely behind were Jennifer Kaufmann and Maria McGuinness; Carly Miller and Taryn Burris; Venise Kramarski and Joann Glussich; Cliff Lawson and Todd Lawson; Jessica Gordon and Julie Stevenson; Karen Sposato and Kathryn Pridmore; Dave Repass and Tim Dale; Matt Rice and Tara Lausch; Danielle Seglum and Brian Seglum; Peter Briccotto and Wendy Beavers; and Ron Krajewski and Ducky Sheetz. 

Adding to the amounts raised by teams, SoDel Concepts generously donated 10 percent of all dine-in food sales from the evening. “We had no idea how popular this would be when we agreed to host, but we’ve always had a sense of responsibility to our community. It’s been an honor and we’ve come to look forward to it each year,” said Scott Kammerer, president of SoDel Concepts.

All monies raised through the event directly support the areas of highest need within the nonprofit. Each year, Children & Families First serves over 40,000 individuals with a continuum of services including foster care for vulnerable children, home visiting nurses for high-risk pregnant mothers, parenting skills for struggling families, and counseling for teens and their families.

“Over the past three years, this has raised over $46,000 and engaged a much wider audience in our mission,” said Laura Rimmer, development officer for CFF.

Funds raised ensure children and families in Sussex County will continue to have immediate access to programs and services that nurture, educate, empower and strengthen them to overcome tremendous challenges and thrive at their fullest potential.

For more information, go to www.cffde.org.