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KINfolk annual fundraiser nets over $15,000

13th wine tasting, art auction benefits sick children
August 2, 2018

Delaware's hospitalized children can more easily keep in touch with friends, family and teachers, thanks in part to KINfolk's 13th annual wine tasting and art auction fundraiser.

Held July 18 at the University of Delaware's Virden Center in Lewes, the fundraiser helps KINfolk provide laptop computers and internet access to hospitalized or homebound children facing serious medical challenges. KINfolk board member and Secretary Kathy McNamara has chaired the event for years and says children can use Skype to attend classes virtually.

"The first time one of our children used Skype, she used it to check on her dog and make sure her brother hadn't messed up her room," McNamara laughed.

McNamara said students hospitalized for months to recover after illness or surgery can risk academic failure or feel lonely and depressed.
"KINfolk laptops provide a safe, reliable way for kids to remain active and focus on something other than their medical issues," she said.

More than 200 silent and live auction items were up for bid, including works by artists Ellen Rice, Abraxas and Kevin Fleming, and many local businesses donated gift cards for the silent auction. Restaurants Big Fish Market, Cultured Pearl, Grotto Pizza and others provided signature appetizers for attendees, with Teller Wines offering a selection of domestic wines as accompaniment.

To contact KINfolk, call 302-298-7174 or go to kinfolk-kids.org.

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