SoDel Wine Food and Music Fest picks beneficiaries

The Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival has chosen two charities as the beneficiaries of its sixth annual celebration set for Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Independence clubhouse in Millsboro.

The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation and Nemours duPont Pediatrics Milford will share in the net proceeds from the festival, which has raised more than $130,000 for southern Delaware nonprofits since it started in 2015.

Known for its world-class performance venue, the Freeman Stage near Fenwick Island, the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation also provides free, high-quality arts experiences to local elementary and high school students as well as underserved families.

Patti Grimes, foundation executive director, said the nonprofit is honored to be a festival beneficiary. “It’s a great fit. The festival benefits the community and brings people together to experience the culinary arts and music. As a beneficiary, we will be able to continue our efforts to present the arts to all in the Delmarva region,” she said.

Located in the Bayhealth Sussex Campus, Nemours duPont Pediatrics Milford gives southern Delaware families access to the highest-quality care from pediatric specialists. Funds from the festival will be used to grow pediatric specialty services and programs, and provide medical equipment. “This event will help us bring expanded pediatric care closer to home for thousands of families in Southern Delaware,” said community liaison Stephanie Adams.

“Even though the committee is hunkered down at home right now, we’re still talking to sponsors, vendors, artists and others. I am sure we all will be more than ready for a great celebration, and these two deserving charities are an added incentive to make the 2020 festival the best yet,” said Stacy LaMotta, festival creator and executive director.

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