Cruiser rally supports hospitality workers’ mental health
Cupid, a Christmas tree and a Thanksgiving turkey walk into a bar? Not quite.
About 50 bicyclists in wacky costumes like these pedaled for a purpose Oct. 18, in the third annual Dilly Dally Cruiser Rally in Rehoboth Beach.
The charitable 3.5-mile costumed bike ride raised awareness – and about $1,000 in funds – for Celebrate Wellness, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the mental health of hospitality workers throughout Delaware.
“The Dilly Dally Cruiser Rally reminds me of how important connection is, how we participate in our community,” said Kathy McDonald, co-founder and director of development for Celebrate Wellness. “I love that the ride brings some whimsy and creativity in the costumes and bike decorations. All of that together is the best way to make you smile and improve your mental health.”
The bike ride started and ended at Schellville, located behind Tanger Outlets Seaside, winding down the Junction & Breakwater Trail with a turnaround at Wolfe Neck Road.
It was not a race, but rather a casual “cruise-ade” – a time for community members to come together, get their bodies moving and embrace the spirit of the fall season.
Following the ride, participants aged 21 and over received entry to the Schellville Wicked Brew Fest, which featured live music, food trucks, beer and wine samples, and seasonal activities.
Celebrate Wellness was founded in 2022 by McDonald and Josh Grapski. The organization provides education, connects individuals to mental health resources and wellness professionals, and offers financial assistance for mental health support services.
Its work comes at a critical time, with a plethora of research showing high rates of mental health issues amongst workers in the hospitality and food industry.
A 2025 study of U.S. workers’ self-reported mental health outcomes indicates that by job industry, accommodation and food services has one of the highest prevalences of self-reported lifetime diagnosed depression and frequent mental distress. The study, conducted by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute for Occupational Safety, used data collected from 2015 to 2019 from more than 500,000 civilian workers nationwide.
“Restaurant workers face constant stress and undue pressure every day, and oftentimes, they have nowhere to turn when it comes to mental healthcare,” McDonald said. “The Dilly Dally Cruiser Rally is another opportunity to come together as a community and raise awareness and funds while illuminating a brighter future for the often-overlooked hospitality industry workers.”
Ellen McIntyre is a reporter covering education and all things Dewey Beach. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State - Schreyer Honors College in May 2024, then completed an internship writing for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In 2023, she covered the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand as a freelancer for the Associated Press and saw her work published by outlets including The Washington Post and Fox Sports. Her variety of reporting experience covers crime and courts, investigations, politics and the arts. As a Hockessin, Delaware native, Ellen is happy to be back in her home state, though she enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures. She also loves live music, reading, hiking and spending time in nature.
