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It was an amazing trip to a boardwalk as 400 people joined for a perfect evening at the 6th Annual Children’s Beach House Barbecue, where they raised $65,000 for the organization’s Sandcastle Program. The program provides arts, crafts and environmental education for at-risk children who are 4 to 6 years old.
The level of community support inspires Executive Director Rich Garrett. “The dollars raised by this event are so important, but even more so are the members of this community who stand behind us as we stand behind the children,” Garrett said.
Event Chairwoman Mary Helms says the event is much more than a fundraiser. “Right from the beginning this event has been a friendraiser for the Children’s Beach House.” Lewes Mayor Jim Ford, who enjoyed the barbecue with his wife, Teresa, said “Children’s Beach House is a great organization that does so much for the community and the way the community supports it is fantastic.”
John Beaver of Maxx Motors LLC, the event’s primary corporate sponsor, said he and his family are grateful for the opportunity to support the Children’s Beach House. “It’s wonderful to be able to help people who help make children’s dreams come true,” said his wife, Michelle Beaver, who was joined by their son Vinnie.
Welcome to the boardwalk
Bad Hair Day? owner Drexel Davison again headed the decorations committee that created a faux boardwalk in the halls of the beach house. Guests to the Aug. 23 event enjoyed live music provided courtesy of the Inn at Canal Square and Paul Cullen as they followed a meandering path replete with popcorn, barkers and lemonade stands serving frozen margaritas.
The Press Gang sang classic a cappella summer favorites throughout the building and DJ Mario Rocco played an array of popular tunes on the beach as servers Cara Wenke-Scaramozzi, Crystal Stigile and Sarah Weber delivered food and smiles. A raw bar supplemented a beach picnic buffet by Cara’s Creative Catering.
Cullen entertained on the second floor where people went to mingle and view this year’s silent auction items, 12 unique, custom-designed, child-sized Adirondack chairs painted by regional artists, the sale of which raised $16,550. All proceeds from the sale of the chairs went directly to the Children’s Beach House.
Children’s chairs
People were entranced by the chairs, which were gathered near the end of the evening for final bidding. John and Sally Freeman decided not to leave acquisition of their favorite to chance and set a tone of generosity by purchasing it for $5,000.
Bought for their first grandchild, Mackenzie, who is expected to be born Friday, Sept. 12, the chair featuring a classic seascape design with a lighthouse and soaring kite by artist Steve Rogers. “We really like Steve’s art. It’s just beautiful,” said Sally Freeman.
The Freemans’ son, Alexander, and his wife Melody live in Washington, D.C., but have been coming to the beach for a long time, Freeman explained. “They were here all summer and the beach is part of the pregnancy,” she said. “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate our granddaughter’s birth.”
David and Nancy Marvin promptly joined in the celebration by meeting the $5,000 price to purchase their favorite chair featuring a creative beach and surfboard design by artist Damon Pla.
“I’m really excited about this,” said Nancy Marvin of the gift that will be enjoyed by their five grandchildren. Nancy Marvin said their son Brian’s wife, Andrea, was born and raised in Hawaii and the chair is in honor of her, especially because Andrea serves on the Children’s Beach House Board of Directors.
The remaining 10 chairs were sold to the highest silent auction bidder on each. The successful bidders were Carol DiSabatino, who acquired two chairs; Michelle Rollins, who acquired two chairs; Caroline Prickett; George Beckerman; Eileen Clark; Pat Rommel; Mary Helms; and Wayne Holden.
Sharon Gillespie orchestrated the silent auction of the chairs with the assistance of Carolyn Marshall. “We bought the chairs and got a deal, but the artists did the real work,” Gillespie said.
Other artists who created and presented their chairs, along with other works of art offered for sale with a percentage of the proceeds to go to the beach house, were Connie Miller, Lynne McKay, Sherrylee Biele, Kim Klabe, Nick Serratore, Jean Doran, Faith Lord, Aina Negaard-Nammack, Tara Funk Grim and Gary Crowl.
Children’s Beach House will continue its fundraising effort with the sale of 2009 calendars featuring Kevin Fleming’s photographs of the chairs. Each month is illustrated with one of the 12 chairs and includes a famous quote about the magic and wonder of being a child.
More to come
Plans are already under way for next year’s barbecue, said Helms, adding that no matter how early it starts there’s always a moment of concern as the date of the event nears. “Every year we start to worry and I remind our volunteers what we’re doing this for. We’re doing this for the kids,” said Helms.
The next major Children’s Beach House event is its Holiday Art Show and Silent Auction. A champagne preview reception for sponsors and donors will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, with the opening art show reception to follow from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5. The show will continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, and from noon to 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7.
For your information
More information about Children’s Beach House programs, events and volunteer opportunities is available online at www.cbhinc.org or by calling 302-655-4288 or 645-9184.
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