Friends gather to remember ‘Spoonie,’ support Cape music program
Family and friends of Stephen “Spoonie” Sponaugle held the first of two benefit events for the Cape Henlopen School District Music Program March 31 at Bethany Blues Lewes.
The evening of fun and fundraising included raffle tickets, silent auction tables, a bartender special drink auction, and live entertainment performed by members of the music program and local band Freshly Squeezed.
“We are incredibly proud of our students’ talent and dedication, and grateful to everyone who came out to support our department through this awesome fundraiser,” said Marian Sunnergren, Cape High vocal music director and choir teacher.
The annual events have raised $50,000 over the last few years to benefit the Cape Henlopen School District Music Program for grades five to 12, and this year’s campaign has started off excellently.
Bethany Blues donated a portion of its sales to support the cause, and many local businesses donated items for the raffle and silent auction.
A second fundraiser event will be held from 5 to 10 p.m., Monday, May 4, at Nicola Pizza on Route 1, Lewes.
Those who would like to donate but cannot attend can mail checks made payable to Friends & Family of Stephen Sponaugle, c/o Theresa Sponaugle, 32 Eagle Drive, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
Spoonie was born and raised here at the beach and graduated from Cape Henlopen High School, Class of 1999. In 2001, Stephen graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, and he later worked in several area restaurants including The Buttery and Abstractions. Most recently, he was a bartender at The Cultured Pearl and Nicola Pizza.
He had a passion for music that started in grade school, playing trombone in the Rehoboth Summer Band Program. He played guitar and trombone for the Delaware Music School, and from 2008 until his passing, he was a vocalist and rhythm guitar player for Freshly Squeezed.
