The Starboard VIP card donations net $20,000

In a new twist to its annual opening weekend tradition, The Starboard offered its coveted VIP cards in exchange for a $5 to $10 donation to the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company.

In just four days, $20,000 was raised to support the department, with funds still coming in, said The Starboard owner Steve “Monty” Montgomery, who estimates $30,000 will be raised by the end of the campaign.

Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company Fire Chief Chuck Snyder said funds will go toward the purchase of a new aerial/ladder truck to replace the current one, which is close to 30 years old and well past its prime. A new truck will cost about $1.6 million, Snyder said.

For the next two weeks, those who were unable to attend The Starboard’s opening weekend will still be able to receive a 2022 Starboard VIP Card with a donation to the fire department.

For more than 30 years, The Starboard VIP cards allow holders to avoid waiting in long lines on summer weekend nights.

“It was astounding to see how excited our patrons were to help out with our donation campaign for our local Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company,” Montgomery said. “We asked for a mere $5 or whatever they felt comfortable with, and most opted to give $10, $20, or even $100 for their summer Starboard VIP card.

“It’s rewarding to give back to our local volunteers as they continue to protect each and every one of us in so many ways, to do something we’ve always done and turn it into a win-win by getting our customers their 2022 VIP cards and donating much-needed funds to our fire company,” Montgomery said.