Rehoboth Beach Patrol supporters raise $20,000

More than 150 guests came together at the home of Andy Staton and Patrick Saparito to raise over $20,000 for Rehoboth Beach Patrol members to travel to the U.S. Lifesaving Association National Lifeguard Championships in August. 

Andy Staton Home Services of Monument Sotheby’s hosted the event in partnership with Visit Rehoboth.

”The Rehoboth Beach Patrol protects us all summer long. This was our chance to protect their dreams and give them the support they deserve on the national stage,” said Andy Staton, host and founder of Andy Staton Home Services. 

"[We] were thrilled to raise funds for our beach patrol — after all, what is Rehoboth without a safe beach to enjoy? The energy at the auction was contagious, and the live auction items were unique opportunities for supporters to have some quality time getting to know our lifeguards and support them as they plan to go to nationals again,” said Tom Protack, Visit Rehoboth executive director.

The live auction experiences up for bid included a training workout with the patrol on Baltimore Avenue, a dinner out with two lifeguards and four guests, a chance to deliver a personal message and ring the iconic RBP morning bell, and VIP passes to the Aug. 12 awards ceremony.

“This support means the world to us,” said Derek Shockro, Rehoboth Beach Patrol chief. “These funds don’t just get us to California; they validate the work we do every day. Knowing our community stands behind us gives our team pride, motivation and the resources to represent Rehoboth at the highest level.”

“To see our community show up this way — it gave me chills,” said Staton. “This is Rehoboth at its absolute best.”