Local businesses support Autism Delaware's Blue Jean Ball Sept. 21

Among the many one-of-a-kind items on auction at Autism Delaware’s Blue Jean Ball this year is a NASCAR package for two. This VIP weekend at Dover Motor Speedway includes honorary membership on the Michael Waltrip Racing pit crew. The package includes garage hot passes and entry to the drivers’ meeting, photos with the drivers and their cars, a meet-and-greet with the MWR drivers (Mark Martin, Clint Bowyer and Martin Truex Jr.) and lunch with the MWR pit crew on race day, Sunday, Sept. 29.

“The Blue Jean Ball benefits from donors like Michael Waltrip Racing,” said Autism Delaware events manager Deanna Principe, “because their donations help ensure that more of the funds we raise actually go to Autism Delaware. With the skyrocketing number of people being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, a lot more families in Delaware are relying on Autism Delaware’s statewide programs and services.”

“In addition to donors, sponsors can also be patrons for the Autism Delaware mission,” said Dorian Kleinstuber, Esq., a co-chair of the Blue Jean Ball committee. “Local businesses provide a range of goods and services specifically for this event. This year’s exclusive sponsors, for example, are Hertrich Toyota of Milford and Peninsula Oil & Propane in Seaford. Bethany Beach Books has recently become a diamond sponsor.”

“Also, Blooming Boutique has graciously donated a very popular sterling silver Trollbeads bracelet for each guest at the event,” said committee co-chair Koh Morrisey. “Everyone who attends will receive a certificate for a bracelet valued at $72.”

Bidding on the NASCAR package for two as well as the other auction items can begin with registration on bidpal.net/bluejeanball. An industry leader in auction automation, BidPal is being implemented at the 2013 Blue Jean Ball to manage the registration and payment processes as well as sponsorship and bidding.

“Much of the manual work that was needed at the Blue Jean Ball in the past will now be managed by BidPal,” said Principe. “For our guests, this means no more checkout lines and no more paper bid sheets, so you don’t need to go back and forth to the auction table to see where your bid stands. BidPal will text you your bid status. And for those of you who want to get a jump on the bidding, you can begin as soon as you’re registered on BidPal.”

A longtime southern Delaware favorite, the annual Blue Jean Ball has a new location this year: the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Festivities begin at 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, the weekend before the NASCAR package being auctioned off. The dress code is blue jeans and bling.

A ticket costs $85 per person if purchased by Friday, Sept. 13, and $100 if purchased from Sept. 14 until the tickets are sold out. Each ticket includes entrance to the auctions; dancing to Delaware’s own Love Seed Mama Jump; beer, wine, and specialty cocktails; and hors d’oeuvres and desserts from prominent local restaurants. To date, participating restaurants include Bethany Blues, Touch of Italy, Big Fish Grill, Moe’s Southwest Grill/Carvel Ice Cream, Table and Taproom, and Kick n’ Chicken. Open seating is guaranteed for all ticket holders with premium reserved seating limited to Blue Jean Ball donors and sponsors.

To register, become a donor or sponsor, and bid on auction items, visit bidpal.net/bluejeanball.

Autism Delaware is a nonprofit organization made up of individuals with autism spectrum disorders, their family members, the professionals who serve them and friends of people with ASDs. With offices in Newark, Dover and Milton, Autism Delaware serves the entire state. For more information on how to help, visit autismdelaware.org.