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Event celebrates the life of Stephen ‘Spoonie’ Sponaugle

Local musician and chef loved by all
Spoonie’s parents Theresa and Bill Sponaugle watch young friends Adeline and Ben Bekeshka blow out the 42 candles on the birthday cake celebrating the life of Stephen “Spoonie” Sponaugle. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
May 4, 2023

The friends and family of Stephen “Spoonie” Sponaugle held the second annual celebration of his life and a benefit on the eve of his 42nd birthday May 2 at Nicola Pizza in Lewes. Spoonie, a beloved member of the local community, died suddenly April 20, 2019.

A silent auction, photo booth, 50/50 and other fun events were held on Nicola’s covered patio, including a birthday cake with 42 candles in honor of Spoonie’s birthday. The event raised funds to benefit the Cape Henlopen School District band program for grades 5-12. Last year’s event raised $8,000 to benefit the performing arts programs at Rehoboth Elementary, where Stephen attended.

Nicola Pizza donated a portion of every table and bar check to the event.

“We’re grateful to be able to translate the pain of losing Stephen into good for the community,” said Theresa Sponaugle, Spoonie’s mother. “Music was a huge part of his life, and we’re grateful that this event honors his life and helps a program that is so important.”

“We were all gutted when we lost Spoonie,” said longtime friend and Freshly Squeezed bandmate Roger Hillis. “This is a night of fun, joy and positive energy. This is a nice chance to come together and celebrate him, for his birthday, and give to a program that makes a real difference.”

To donate, send checks made payable to Cape Henlopen School District and note “band program” to Theresa Sponaugle, 32 Eagle Drive, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

 

Spoonie’s parents Theresa and Bill Sponaugle stand with the birthday cake celebrating the 42nd birthday of their son Stephen “Spoonie” Sponaugle.
Spoonie’s uncle Carl Colantuono acted as emcee extraordinaire for the event.
Jackie Mitchell bids on one of the prize baskets at the silent auction.
Enjoying the free photo booth are (l-r) Kathleen Royles, Judy White, Donna Ney and Meg Bruce.
Ariel Stevenson sells 50/50 chances in the crowd.
Sandy Walls bids at the silent auction.
Donovan Wyatt, 16 months, enjoys the tasty fries at the event.
Spoonie’s bandmates from Freshly Squeezed are (l-r) Roger Hillis, Ashley Dark and Joe Bekeshka.
Angelo Giordano, left, and Marye Burton sell chances at the event.
Mike Fitzmaurice, left, and Stephanie Tomczyk enjoy the event.
Nicola’s employees serving at the event are (l-r) Jordyn Virden, Liz Renshaw and Tiffany Short.
Cape Jazz Band member Abby Stinar speaks to the crowd on the importance of being a band member/student.
A prize table of goodies was raffled off.
Spoonie’s mother Theresa Sponaugle, center, presents a check to Cape Jazz Band members Abby Stinar and Conor Wiedman.
Supporting the event are in back ( l-r) Sue and Randy Huber, with Melissa Lemaire Jackewicz and Jim Marshall in front.
Spoonie’s friends Ryan Cunningham, left, and Katie Sherman enjoy the celebration of his birthday.
Adeline Bekeshka, right, and her mom Cari Bennett celebrate winning a $100 gift certificate.
Nora Mae Bekeshka, 4, gets to blow out the last candle.

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