Rock & roll golf fundraiser nets $20,000 for Paul Kares

The team members at Paul Kares know a few things about hosting a fun party.

Paul Cullen, co-founder of the Lewes-based nonprofit, is a musician, personal chef, sommelier and winemaker. Cullen and Jim Rivette started the charity to support young people pursuing culinary and performing arts careers, and Rivette is currently its president.

So, when Paul Kares announced its plans for the inaugural Paul Kares Rock & Roll Golf Fundraiser, the event quickly sold out.

More than 100 golfers came to Mulligan’s Pointe Golf Club in Georgetown Oct. 10 to tee off, eat barbecue and listen to Bad River, the band that Cullen, formerly with Bad Company, created with Tony Sciuto, who had been with the Little River Band.

Many players wore T-shirts saluting their favorite bands. Graphic Ts with logos promoting The Beatles, Blondie, Bad River, Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan stood out on the course, creating a fun contrast to traditional golf garb.

The event brought in more than $20,000 for the charity.

“The support from our friends, sponsors and the coastal community was overwhelming,” said Michael Whitehouse, executive director of Paul Kares. “It was a great time, and with the funds we raise, we’ll be able to help more kids launch their careers in the culinary and music fields.”

The concert was open to the public as well as the golfers.

“We are encouraged by the turnout and look forward to hosting more events in the future,” said Rivette. “We also encourage children interested in the performing or culinary arts to apply for a grant.”

Paul Kares works with grade schools, high schools, and other institutions and groups throughout the Delmarva region to identify qualified candidates.

For more information on benefit concerts or grants, go to paulkaresde.org.