Dewey Virtual Run/Walk/Crawl to benefit restaurant workers

The COVID-19 virus has effectively closed down Dewey Beach right at the start of the season, and as a result, many restaurants have either closed or initiated safe carryout/delivery policies.

This also means that many of the food service workers people know and love are no longer serving the customers they love. As the world waits to see how things will change, the town is banding together to take care of its own.

The Dewey Business Partnership, in conjunction with IFA Virtual Racing, wants to help workers displaced by mandatory closures. They are hosting the Doing It for Dewey Virtual Run/Walk/Crawl.

The event allows patrons to choose from a variety of levels of participation in a socially responsible way, while supporting the town’s industry workers and getting some exercise too.

IFA Virtual Racing was founded by Mary Yetsko-Krol and Ed Hartwell last year as a way to host runs and walks without limitations. When they realized the impact that COVID-19 could have on all of their favorite bartenders, servers, cooks, and staff in their beach community, they wanted to use their service to help make a difference.

“Dewey Beach is an amazing community, and this is a way to show camaraderie during a very hard time,” said Steve “Monty” Montgomery, owner of The Starboard Restaurant. “We love to hold events and fundraisers – it’s always been a cornerstone of who we are in this town. This is a way we can do that right now.” Montgomery is grateful for such strong community ties during a time when people need to band together.

The loop the partnership has come up with is meant to simulate walking or running through town, passing all the favorite establishments in 1-mile, 2-mile, or 5K versions. The three distance options are great for walkers and runners of all abilities. Participants can complete their walk by Monday, May 4, within their own neighborhoods, on their treadmills or wherever they like walking/running best.

For those doing the 5K, participants can post their times competitively, and results will be announced Tuesday, May 5. Participants get a coupon sheet they can use at the participating establishments. Certificates of participation will also be available. In addition, there will be a virtual post-party for those who sign up.

Participating establishments are: Dewey Beer Co., Dewey Beach Country Club, Gary's Dewey Beach Grill, Hammerheads, Nalu Hawaiian Surf Bar & Grille, Mez*Cali, Sirvada, the Starboard, Starboard Raw and Woody's Dewey Beach.

To sign up or donate, go to www.runsignup.com/Race/DE/DeweyBeach/DoinItforDeweyVirtualRace.