Kinfolk wine tasting and art auction bests last year totals

The Sixth Annual Wine Tasting & Art Auction for Kinfolk combined two popular pastimes July 20 while raising money for a good cause.

Kinfolk is a nonprofit organization based out of A.I. DuPont Hospital in Wilmington that provides laptop computers and internet access to children who are hospitalized or homebound, said Kathy McNamara, chairwoman of this year's art auction.

"It helps them keep in touch with their schoolwork, friends and family," McNamara said.

That connection is particularly relevant for downstate children with extended hospital stays. There are no pediatric wings at any of the area hospitals, and McNamara said any children hospitalized for more than a day must be sent to A.I. DuPont, Johns Hopkins or elsewhere.

"There is nothing down here for them," she said.

To date, the group has donated 50 computers to young patients at A.I. DuPont, and this year's proceeds will help them continue their efforts.

Proceeds from the event totaled $17,000 and Rehoboth's own Cheryl Blackman alone brought in almost $6,000 from her ticket sales along the Boardwalk.

The event, held at The Cordrey Center in Millsboro, featured art donated by Abraxas, Kevin Fleming, Anne Hanna, Jack Wiberg, Ellen Rice, Kris Crabb, Ruth Valva, Elaine Simmerman, Marvin Carney and Nancy Katz in both live and silent auctions.

Teller Wines provided samplings of wines from fruity whites to heavy reds and tasty treats were provided by Annabella's, Jake's Seafood, 1776 Steakhouse, Bethany Blues, The Cultured Pearl, Big Fish, Cosmopolitan, Go Fish, Cloud 9, Blue Moon Jerry's Seafood, Mariachi's, Summer House, Starboard, Fractured Prune, Philly Pretzel Factory and Victoria's Restaurant. Tunes were provided by Paul Cullen.

Sponsors included The Nemours Foundation, Grotto Pizza, E.R.C.O., Prudential Gallo Realty, Superior Court Judge M. Jane Brady, Jack Lingo Realtors, Cosmopolitan, Hugh and Kathleen Leahy and Colliers Trim Shop.