On Oct. 20 local entertainer Viki Dee’s home burned down and not only did she lose all her belongings, but she also lost her three beloved pets. The next morning the entire town jumped into action. We organized a fundraiser that was held Nov. 17 at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Even though Viki is a well-known performer around Rehoboth, never in our wildest dreams did we think that we would have more than 800 people attend to support Viki. The day was filled with music by local musicians, a spaghetti dinner, photography portraits and a silent and live auction.

We would like to give special recognition to some businesses that opened their hearts and wallets and donated in a big way. Please remember these businesses and pay it forward. Casa Dileo donated and cooked all the spaghetti, sauce and salad. Atlantic Liquors donated a large portion of the alcohol. Cakebreak donated a ton of desserts. The Bake Shoppe donated all the bread. The Point coffee shop also donated a ton of desserts. Fortier Photography took portraits and the proceeds went to the fund. Minuteman Press donated the tickets. CAMP Rehoboth joined forces and marketed the event.

There were more than 100 volunteers who showed up the day of the event. Many thanks to all of you.

For a group of people to organize an event of this magnitude in less than a month, it takes a lot of dedicated volunteers. We would like to mention the people who worked so hard to make this event a success.

Gwen Osborne and Katie Handy from Sign A Rama, who kept everyone calm and did all the printing.

Kathy Davison was the auction committee chair. Her committee included: Susan Morissette, Rose Barcellona, Coleen Collins, Susan Jimenez, Cathy Benson, Joanne Kempton, Judy Olsen, Jen Rubenstein, Pam Noterange, Wendy Adams, Shellee Peeling, Jane Blue and Jay Diaz from Print 2 Print. These people collected more than 200 auction items!! Marsha Howe and her crew ran the 50-50.

Bob Crabb was the entertainment chair. The musicians who donated their time and shared their talents were: DJ Sharon, DJ Nan, Dave Downing, Armando Graziosi, Ian Kaufman, John Barwick, Glenda Diem and Jim Loomis, Lower Case Blues, Holly Lane and John Flynn, Red Letter Day, Kent Schoch, Justin Cavanaro, John Clifton, Matt Lafferty, Bob Crabb, Honey Queen, Sara Ann Garrison and the Viki Dee Band. Chris Maliszewski was in charge of the sound. They were all fabulous and kept everyone dancing.

Kit Ryan, a financial planner, was responsible for the money that we raised.

Betsy Hollowell and Jodi Sowersby from Rehoboth Ale House and their staff were in charge of keeping us all drinking and eating. Ginger from Mixx restaurant and Steph from Seafood Shack helped with bartending.

This town turned a tragedy into a new beginning for our dear friend. Love and support were shown all day by smiles and some tears, but mostly smiles. “Family isn’t always blood!” We are all blessed.

Mary Ann Slinkman
Rehoboth Beach