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DD Entrepreneurial Foundation holds awards

Dave Britz of DD Entrepreneurial Foundation presents grants to local female entrepreneurs. Shown are (l-r) Denai Wolfe of Profit Perfect, Carin Langen of Right Balance Pilates, Britz, and Christina Connors and Mandy Ciabattoni of Child Inspired. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
May 19, 2022

The DD Entrepreneurial Foundation held its 2022 Wine Tasting & Awards Gala May 15 at the Children’s Beach House on Lewes Beach. The event was a celebration of women in business.

The DD Entrepreneurial Foundation provides startup capital to new businesses and grants to existing businesses led by female entrepreneurs, and funds entrepreneurial opportunities for young women via education and internships.

The DD Project was started by Dave Britz, who honors his mother by giving proceeds from the sales of his DD Project wines to be used to inspire future entrepreneurs and business leaders. All profits from his wines will go to the DD Entrepreneurial Foundation.  

Britz’s mother, Diane Rizzo (Dickerson), passed away in 2019. She was the entrepreneur who helped create one of Delaware’s (and America’s) most successful food franchises, Capriotti’s.

Three recipients were each awarded a substantial grant to help their entrepreneurship. Denai Wolfe of Profit Perfect, Carlin Langen of Right Balance Pilates, and Christina Connors and Mandy Ciabattoni of Child Inspired were awarded the grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000.

For more information, go to ddprojectwines.com or ddefoundation.org.

Dave Britz of DD Entrepreneurial Foundation honors his mother by presenting grants and funding entrepreneurial opportunities for young women.
Christa Cooper of 94.7 iHeart Radio and her husband Paul Tuoni enjoy the wine-tasting event.
Enjoying the event are (l-r) Cape Gazette publisher Chris Rausch, Pathways to Success Outreach Coordinator Sarah Gilmour and DD Entrepreneurial Foundation founder Dave Britz.
Jenna Bullock of First State Charcuterie takes a picture of her food offered at the event.
Hanna Paige entertains event attendees with her melodic voice.
Door prizes and raffles were held at the event.
A picnic basket with DD Wines is ready to be raffled off at the event.
Theresa Kisielewski, right, gets some tasty food from Jenna Bullock of First State Charcuterie.
Carla Briccotto, left, discusses different wines with Lindsey Jarolmen.
Enjoying the event are (l-r) Daniel Marelli, Jillian Watkins, and Pam and Joe Haley.
Delectable deserts followed the food at the event.
A tray of iced-down DD Pinot Grigio awaits the wine tasting.
Ben Haley, left, and Mark Banaszak work the check-in table and sell raffle tickets.
Jeff Kietzmann, left, enjoys the event with Lisa DeCerchio.
Brandy Lloyd serves the wine at the tasting table.
Caught between servings are (l-r) Tommy O’Donnell, Joanne Meloro and Mark O’Donnell.
Enjoying a 1997 Salesianum reunion are friends (l-r) Frank Mieczkowski, Dave Britz, Mark Freebery, John Mieczkowski and Chris Rausch.
Having a lighthearted moment before the awards are presented are (l-r) Christa Cooper of 94.7 iHeart Radio, Carla Briccotto and Dave Britz.
Dave Britz of DD Entrepreneurial Foundation speaks about strong entrepreneurial women.
Dave Britz of DD Entrepreneurial Foundation explains what his foundation does to honor his mother.
Dave Britz presents Carlin Langen of Right Balance Pilates a check for $3,000.
Dave Britz peesents a check for $15,000 to Denai Wolfe of Profit Perfect.
Dave Britz presents a check for $2,000 to Christina Connors and Mandy Ciabattoni, co-owners of Child Inspired, a family-centered, pediatric therapy practice based in Sussex County. Grant funding will help support community outreach initiatives, including enhancing behavioral and mental health services, and family education workshops.
Event committee members are ( l-r) Chris Rausch, Carla Briccotto, Dave Britz, Tara Marks and Ben Haley.
Dave Britz explains his wine to Christa Cooper of 94.7 i Heart Radio and her husband Paul Tuoni.
Event committee member Tara Marks, right, shares a moment with Ted Deptula.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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