Party honors Jimmie Allen’s ACM Award
Nearly 100 family members and close friends of Jimmie Allen gathered at Irish Eyes in Lewes April 22 to celebrate his Academy of Country Music New Male Artist of the Year Award. The surprise party was arranged by lifelong friend and neighbor Monica Mandujano, whose brother Amado was a close friend of Allen’s growing up on Mercury Lane in Milton.
“I wanted to show Jimmie our love for him,” said Mandujano. “I wanted to get his close friends and family in one room as he’s so busy. We couldn’t let him leave without him knowing how much we love him. And how proud we are of him. ”
Mandujano calls Allen “my Carnalito” which means “little brother” in Spanish.
“Thank you all for coming out,” said Allen. “This means a lot to me. I love you all.”
Mandujano gave kudos to Dana Smith of Irish Eyes and Allen’s former teacher Marybeth Alexander for assisting with arrangements for the party, and the Delmade Team. Delmade gave favors to hand out to the partygoers.
Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs.
