Film society bestows legacy award upon Mariah Calagione

As part of the 25th Silver Screen Anniversary of the Rehoboth Beach Film Society’s Independent Film Festival Nov. 8-12, Mariah Calagione was presented with a legacy award in recognition of her work with the society since its inception.

Calagione was a founding member of the film society, formed in 1998 with a mission to create an annual fall independent film festival in Rehoboth Beach that same year. She went on to serve as the 2001 society board president. Over the past 25 years, Calagione has supported the film society through her philanthropic work and in her capacity as co-founder of Dogfish Head Brewery.

Calagione’s volunteer leadership was tremendously helpful in the festival’s early years, but it didn’t stop there, as she continued to consistently sponsor the organization’s annual fall film festival production in the years that followed.

As part of the 2019 acquisition of Dogfish Head by Boston Beer, Mariah and Sam Calagione reaffirmed their local philanthropic roots by devoting a percentage of the acquired Boston Beer stock in the establishment of a foundation to fund various local charitable programs.

“We are very fortunate to be on the receiving end of Mariah’s passion and generosity. She has truly made a lasting and impactful contribution to the film society year after year. It is for these reasons that we presented her with a legacy award,” said Helen M. Chamberlin, RBFS executive director.

For the 25th anniversary celebration this year, a founders’ reception welcomed back original members, including Rob Rector, Barry Becker and Mariah Calagione. For more information and to see the full list of founding members, go to rehobothfilm.com.