Rehoboth Beach Historical Society raises $27K at exclusive benefit dinner
The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society celebrated a highly successful fundraising dinner Sept. 18, raising $27,500 to support the organization's strategic initiatives and ongoing operations. The extraordinary evening was made possible through the generosity of hosts E. Thomas “Thom” Harvey III and Vince DiFonzo, who presented the exclusive event at Sirocco Restaurant in the Coast Hotel on Rehoboth Avenue, bringing together 63 supporters for an unforgettable culinary experience and lively auction.
Harvey and DiFonzo gave Chef Rob Sosnovich and sommelier Scott Craver artistic license to create an exceptional multi-course menu featuring fresh oysters, house smoked duck breast, Mediterranean sea bass, and Japanese Miyazaki Wagyu striploin, each perfectly paired with carefully selected wines.
"It's hard to choose which course was my favorite, but if I had to pick, I loved the A5 Striploin with Japanese Miyazaki Wagyu striploin, paired with La Ragose Amarone wine from Veneto, Italy," said Heidi Nasstrom Evans, executive director of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society.
During the spirited auction, John Kelleher and Efrem Phillips kept guests laughing and bidding enthusiastically. They conducted lively bidding on seven luxurious packages, including A Taste of Seven Sips featuring the wines paired with dinner courses and Golf & Stay at the Chesapeake Bay at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay.
“It was an honor to co-host this special evening in support of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society. The turnout and generosity of our guests reflect how much this community values preserving its unique history. Vince and I, on behalf of TKo Hospitality, were proud to help bring people together around great food and fellowship, all while advancing the important mission of the museum,” said Thom Harvey, event co-host.
“The Rehoboth Beach Museum is such an important part of our community’s identity, and it was a privilege to help support its mission. The enthusiasm in the room was inspiring, and it’s clear that people care deeply about protecting and celebrating Rehoboth’s history. We are especially grateful to the entire staff of Coast and Sirocco for delivering an unforgettable experience,” said Vince DiFonzo, event co-host.
"We are deeply grateful to Thom Harvey and Vince DiFonzo for their extraordinary generosity in hosting this beautiful evening, and to all our supporters who share our commitment to preserving Rehoboth Beach's rich history," said Roger Truitt, Rehoboth Beach Historical Society board president. "Tonight's success will fuel our vision for the future, expanding our exhibitions and programming, enhancing the museum experience with cutting-edge technology and improved signage, and completing the permanent interactive display for Paul Lovett's remarkable diorama. The organization is experiencing exponential growth, and these contributions help us protect our community's heritage and keep it alive for future generations."
The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Rehoboth Beach and the surrounding area. Through exhibitions, educational programming and community engagement, the society serves as a vital resource for residents and visitors seeking to connect with the region's heritage.
The Rehoboth Beach Museum is located at 511 Rehoboth Ave. Admission is by donation. For more information, visit rbmuseum.org, call 302-227-7310, or email staff at info@rbmuseum.org.
