SoDel Concepts’ Mike Zygmonski competing for Man of the Year

Mike Zygmonski, the wine director for SoDel Concepts, has thrown his hat into the ring for the title of Man of the Year, an annual fundraiser to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

To compete for Man and Woman of the Year recognition, individuals form fundraising teams to honor two children who are blood cancer survivors. Zygmonski is honoring Delaware residents Jack, 10, and Kyleigh, 11. At the end of the 10-week campaign, the man and woman who have raised the most funds receive the titles.

“When the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society approached SoDel Concepts about participating in the fundraiser, I knew that Mike would be the perfect person to lead a team,” said Nelia Dolan, marketing director for the Rehoboth Beach-based hospitality group. “Mike works in the front of the house at all 11 of our restaurants, and he leads our very popular wine lunch and dinner events,” she said. “He interacts with a large number of our team members and guests.”

Zygmonski, who is also active with SoDel Cares, the company’s foundation, didn’t hesitate when Dolan asked him to participate. “It’s a fun way to give back, and we’ve got a great lineup of events,” he said. “And who doesn’t want to be the Man of the Year?”

“Mike Z’s team” includes Dolan, Caroline Judge, Jack Temple, Tyler Coupe, Tammy Consigli, Julie Hemp, Meghan Gardner, Domineque Scott, Peter Conlon, Shannon Colburn, Sarah Dickinson, Stevie Wishner and Kat Alberta. The team will hold several fundraising events.

Matt’s Fish Camp in Lewes will offer a dine and donate all day Friday, March 29, including lunch and dinner.

The one-night return of Women and Wine is set for 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, April 4, at Lupo Italian Kitchen in Rehoboth Beach. Mike Z will host the four-course wine dinner, and tickets are $50 per person.

A dine and donate and guest bartender night will be held from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday, April 19, at Bluecoast Seafood Grill + Raw Bar in Bethany Beach with Lauren Larsen, Tyler Coupe and former SoDel Concepts bartender and lymphoma survivor Pete Conlon.

A Cinco de Mayo celebration is set for 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, May 5, at Papa Grande’s Coastal Taqueria, and Catch 54 will host a dine and donate all day. Both restaurants are in Fenwick Island.

Food Fight, sponsored by Woodford Bourbon, will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 9,  at Crust & Craft in Rehoboth Beach. Seven SoDel Concepts restaurants will prepare dishes that pair with the bourbon. Attendees will vote for winners in three categories: best pairing, best food and best cocktail.

The Man of the Year grand finale will take place at 6 p.m., Friday, May 17,  at The Clubhouse at Baywood in Millsboro.

To access Zygmonski’s fundraising page, go to www.pages.mwoy.org/de/dover19/mzygmonski. For more information about SoDel Concepts, go to www.sodelconcepts.com.