SoDel Cares fifth annual fundraiser a success

SoDel Cares, the philanthropic arm of SoDel Concepts, raised $110,000 at the foundation’s fifth annual fundraiser, held Nov. 8 at Fish On in Lewes, one of the hospitality group’s 12 restaurants.

“This was our best SoDel Cares event to date,” said Scott Kammerer, president of SoDel Concepts. “We owe our success to the sponsors and to the guests who come year after year. The support that we get from the community is incredible. Individuals and businesses donated more than 200 items to our silent auction, which broke our record for monies raised.”

The foundation was created after the death of SoDel Concepts’ founder, Matt Haley, in 2014. Haley, a noted philanthropist, was the recipient of the 2014 James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Sponsors this year included M&T Bank, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Alsco, the Matthew James Haley Trust, DBS, the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, L&W Insurance, Congressional, Breslin Contracting and Transformative Dynamics.

SoDel chefs manned food stations featuring such dishes as short rib bulgogi street tacos, cured smoked octopus and kabocha dumpling, and coffee-roasted pork shoulder. There were also a harvest table filled with smoked meats and cheeses, an eye-popping dessert display and passed appetizers.

“I’m so proud that our team stepped up to the plate and helped create such a fun and memorable event,” Kammerer said. “Everyone brought their A game.”

During the event, Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth received recognition for serving more than 200 homebound seniors a day.

SoDel Care supports local organizations that help children, at-risk youth and adults, and the elderly. The foundation’s primary mission is to contribute in a positive way to the communities in which SoDel Concepts does business. Past beneficiaries have included MOWLR, Cape Henlopen Food Basket, Primeros Pasos, Surfers Healing, Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware, Camp Barnes, the Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation, and the Harry K Foundation.

For more information, go to www.sodelconcepts.com.