Dewey Beer Co. donates to Operation SEAs the Day

Operation SEAs the Day got a boost in its efforts to support wounded soldiers and their families with a $9,700 donation from the employees of Dewey Beer Co. in Harbeson.

Each September, Operation SEAs the Day’s Warrior Family Beach Week brings together wounded American soldiers, veterans and their families for a week of rest and relaxation in Bethany Beach. This year’s event takes place Sept. 5-10.

Families stay in homes or condos donated by area residents and enjoy as many or as few of the week’s free activities, excursions and meals offered by local businesses and organizations as desired.

SEAs the Day board member Dave Bradley said wounded soldiers and their families won’t pay a dime to participate in planned events, which include golfing, boating and kayaking, therapeutic horseback riding and tennis.

Families have the opportunity to relax at the beach, gather with other groups for meals and excursions, and strengthen their connections with each other, he said.

Board member Annette Reeping said Bethany residents are very welcoming to soldiers and their families, and businesses offer meals and gift certificates for services. This year, she said, 25 first-time families and five alumni families will join in the week’s festivities.

A highlight of the week takes place during the annual parade from Bethany to the Freeman Arts Pavilion. Well-wishers line up along the route to wave flags and cheer for soldiers as they are transported with their families to enjoy a free concert.

Mario Mastrangelo of Dewey Beer Co. said owners Mike Reilly and Brandon Smith, along with Director of Operations Eric Roberts, have made the charity of the month program an integral part of operations at the Harbeson location since its opening. 

Dewey Beer Co.’s Hope Bradley, who is the daughter of Dave Bradley, said employees at Dewey Beer Co. in Harbeson are paid well, so any tips left for servers at the tasting room are earmarked for a different charity each month. Operation SEAs the Day was charity of the month for May, she said.

Hope said that Dewey Beer Co. wants to guide more donations toward groups that benefit veterans and local families, so Operations SEAs the Day was the perfect fit. The organization has already been added to the charity of the month calendar for next year, she said.

Operation SEAs the Day is a 501(c)(3) public charity, so all donations are tax-deductible. For more information or to donate, go to operationseastheday.org.