Epworth UMC Golf Outing raises funds for outreach ministries
Golfers, sponsors and donors came together May 9 at the Midway Par 3 golf course near Rehoboth Beach and raised nearly $7,800 to benefit three community-wide outreach programs: Epworth Food & Love soup kitchen, Epworth UMC Food Pantry, and Immanuel Shelter. The event was hosted by the Men’s Group of Epworth United Methodist Church.
Net proceeds from the Drive Away Hunger Golf Outing totaled more than $6,600, and were distributed equally among the three programs; each will receive just over $2,200 to support its mission. Thanks to this support, the Food & Love Soup Kitchen will be able to prepare and distribute approximately 1,775 meals; the Food Pantry will be able to make 45 to 50 distributions, and the shelter will be able to provide three weeks of meals for all Immanuel Shelter residents.
“This was a wonderful event,” said Evans Shearon, one of the organizers. “We’ve held the golf outing the past three years, and each year the community has increased its support. It’s great to be part of an event that benefits so many and is also just lots of fun!”
The Men’s Group thanks the sponsors, prize donors and all who contributed money, time and effort to make this year’s golf outing such a success: Arena’s Deli, Baywood Greens, Biore’s Hair Design & Day Spa, Bruce Maloomian (US Lawns), CAMP Rehoboth, Cathy McCallister (Solutions Property Management), Coles Marsh (Energy Marketing Equipment Inc.), Frank & Louie’s Italian Specialties, Fulton Bank, Giant Food, Joe Biliski (Man Maid Cleaning), John Hammett (Tax Ashore LLC), Kings Creek Country Club, Lana Warfield (Berkshire Hathaway), Lula Brazil, Mariachi Restaurant, Mark Horne (Garden Bears Landscaping), Mike Fehrenbach (Fehrenbach’s Flooring Plus), Millman’s Appliances, Parsell Funeral Homes, Preston Automotive Group, Rehoboth Beach Lions Club, Ruddo’s Golf, Sign-A-Rama, William V. Sipple & Son, Williams Insurance Agency, and Windsor’s Flowers & Gifts; Barbara Brittingham, Beverly Johnson, Bill Richardson, Bill & Mary Moore, Brian Polly, Bruce Moore, Chet Sprague, Dave Garrett, Dave Waters, Ed & Sue Keefer, Emmalane Ewing, Evans Shearon, Fred Smith, George & Paula Simpson, Jan McCarty, Jim Blakeslee, John Long, Joyce Poole, Lana Warfield, Linda Kauffman, the Rev. Vicky Starnes, Richard F. Lyman and Sen. Ernie Lopez.
Epworth’s Food & Love Soup Kitchen opened in February 2012 and has served a meal every Sunday afternoon since. During 2014, Food & Love provided just over 2,600 dine-in meals and 1,000 carryout meals. Meals also are packaged for delivery to the Community Resource Center and the Immanuel Shelter, and for distribution to individuals who stop by Epworth Church daily for food assistance. Six cooking teams alternate to prepare hearty and creative soups each week; donations from sources such as Fifer Orchards, Giant Food, Safeway, Panera, Wawa and Chipotle keep the per-meal cost to just $1.24.
The Food Pantry began 15 years ago to address a need in the community for food staples, personal hygiene items and basic household goods. Today, Epworth’s Good Samaritan Emergency Food Assistance Program coordinates distribution of the pantry’s supplies. During 2014, the pantry distributed about 15 tons of food, assisting over 700 individuals. Each distribution, which is structured to include a protein-rich product, averages $35-$50 in value. Pantry stock is replenished with donations from individuals and community groups; for the past two years, it has been a beneficiary of the U.S. Postal Service’s food drive.
The Immanuel Shelter opened in 2012, and from December till April provides safe, warm overnight shelter and an evening and morning meal to the area’s homeless. During the 2014-15 season, over 100 people were assisted by the shelter, which housed an average of 20 people per night. Providing meals for 20 residents costs $100-$125 each night.
Epworth United Methodist Church is at 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach. For more information on Epworth and its outreach programs, contact the church office at 302-227-7743 or visit www.eumcrb.org.
