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November 5, 2014 by scstarter

Last month’s event for Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition was unforgettable. We stood together with a room full of breast cancer survivors, their families and heard firsthand experiences from four amazing women from the Delaware community. Our largest attended event yet, we packed the Outlook at the Duncan Center with over 230 ladies dressed in pink for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. Collectively, the Gals That Give community successfully raised $5,800 in just a few hours.

One year ago I’m not sure that any of us thought that we’d raise over forty thousand dollars for the Delaware community in 11 events. What an amazing first year it has been and we can’t be more thankful for the women that join us every month, tell their friends, share our posts (and also through paid promotion through themarketingheaven.com) on social media and donating auction items. With the help of these wonderful women and local businesses, the Gals That Give community, as a whole is making a difference in Delaware. We hope you’ll join us to celebrate our 1 year anniversary, a co-ed event we’re calling “Gals (& Guys) That Give” on November 20th for the Dover Fraternal Order of The Police.

For the October event for Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, we tried a few new activities that we can’t wait to implement again in the future! Here are a few pictures from the event!

#GoPink Wear Your Best Pink Outfit For Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition
We told the ladies that we would be secretly judging them & that the best pink outfit would win a prize. The winner won a tasty dessert arrangement donated from Dawne Nickerson-Banez of Frankfurt Bakery.

#Gals4Charity Picture Contest
We challenged the ladies to post their best pictures on facebook, twitter & instagram with the #gals4charity hashtag. It was a blast! The winner of won our custom Gals That Give Delaware Charity t-shirt and a bottle of champagne for their table.

Mission: Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition
The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition is a 501(c)(3) organization offering statewide programs and services of education, outreach, and early detection, and treatment of breast cancer. DBCC’s programs reach diverse communities to deliver messages that address their unique concerns about breast cancer and early detection. All funds raised for DBCC support programs in Delaware and the neighboring areas in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. Programs in Kent County reach Hispanic, African American, Haitian, uninsured, and underinsured women and men affected by breast cancer. We connect these populations and the general public to breast health education, financial support for screening, prosthesis, wigs, and resources for the newly diagnosed including beginning your breast cancer journey classes and peer mentors.

Mission: Gals That Give Delaware Charity

Gals that Gives’ mission is to cultivate local community non-profit organizations by connecting them with a larger network so they can continue to make an impact where we live and breathe every day.

There are five founders that lead the organization:
Kim Willson, Ruggerio & Willson
Erin Barrett, The Outlook at The Duncan Center
Christina Lessard, Lessard Builders
Stephanie Preece, George & Lynch
(and me!) Catrina Sharp, Lessard Builders

November 5, 2014 by scstarter

In early 2014, Gals That Give held an event for Cancer Support Community Delaware. It was an amazing event and there was not a dry eye in the room during their education presentation, a testimony from cancer survivor, Ray Failing.

The Gals That Give event for Cancer Support Community and the October event for Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition were both very eye opening because out of 150 to 230 women, almost everyone in the room acknowledged that they have been affected by cancer in their lives.

We’re big fans of the Cancer Support Community and what they do so naturally, we were more than happy to be contenders as guest bartenders at their “Give Cancer The Boot” Guest Bartender Showdown event. Christina Lessard, Kim Willson, Stephanie Preece, Erin Barrett and I will be serving a #DoGood cocktail competing against The Friends of Cancer Support Community Team serving the “Good JuJu Cocktail”.

A Family Friendly Event! In addition to delicious drinks, fun company and a good cause there will be line dancing lessons, music and ten percent of the food sales will go directly to Cancer Support Community. We’re hoping for a great event and we’d love for you to join us! The event starts at 6:00 pm and will be held at Cowboy Up Saloon, 1036 Lafferty Lane in Dover, Delaware.

Cancer Support Community Delaware Mission

To ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. http://www.wellnessdelaware.org/

Gals That Give Mission
Gals that Gives’ mission is to cultivate local community non-profit organizations by connecting them with a larger network so they can continue to make an impact where we live and breathe every day. There are five founders that lead the organization:

Kim Willson, Ruggerio & Willson

Erin Barrett, The Outlook at The Duncan Center

Christina Lessard, Lessard Builders

Stephanie Preece, George & Lynch

(and me!) Catrina Sharp, Lessard Builders

November 5, 2014 by scstarter

Whew! What an uplifting Gals That Give year! I’m not sure that any of us predicted that we would be able to pack a room of 240 attendees and raise over $40,386 in eleven events. The past year has been quite the whirlwind with the rapid growth of Gals That Give and we are so excited to celebrate our one year birthday on November 20th as a fundraiser for the City of Dover Fraternal Order of The Police. We’re planning for an extraordinary first birthday event therefore we decided that just this month we’re inviting the guys to join in on the fun. We are expecting a larger than usual turnout this month so we will be limiting the amount of tickets available and they must be purchased online by November 17th.

Join us for a fun #dogood night sponsored by Lessard Builders!
The event will follow the typical format which includes a three course dinner with appetizers and dessert prepared by Outlook Events at The Duncan Center. There will be a Chinese or “pick a prize” style auction and a 50/50. Our friends at the Painted Stave Distillery will be providing tastings and local musician Emily Moses will be rockin’ out our favorite hits. Dinner is typically served around 6:40 pm but can vary depending on the events of the evening.

Gals (& Guys) That Give Ticket Options:

$25 ticket includes admission & dinner
$35 ticket includes Dinner ticket + (1) bottle of wine (you choose red or white)

(New!) Must Pay Online Prior To The Event
This is a necessary change this month due to the size of the event. Limited seating will be available so please, please, please mark your calendars and RSVP early via Eventbrite! We would love for everyone to join us but space will be limited so do not wait until the last minute!

(New!) #Gals4Charity Social Media Photo Contest
We LOVED looking through the pictures for the #gals4charity picture contest at the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition last month. We will be doing this again – so get creative and tag your event photos with #Gals4Charity on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. The winner will win a prize after dinner.

(New!) Auction Tickets: We added another level!

The Gals That Give community is so lucky to have the support of local businesses and individuals that donate items to our “pick a prize” or “chinese” style auction every month. For the month of November, the list has been pretty extensive with higher priced items such as Philadelphia Flyers tickets, Baltimore Ravens tickets, a low digit auto tag, a capital tour with lunch in the exclusive members only U.S. Senate room, an Apple iPad and other items at a similar price point so we have decided to add another level of auction tickets that allows you to purchase 150 tickets for $100. All proceeds from the auction ticket sales go towards the Dover Fraternal Order of The Police.

Attendees can purchase auction tickets at the event for the following levels:

(New!) Super Sponsor of the Month:
The recently launched sponsorship gives businesses the opportunity to be in front of the Gals That Give community and attendees before, during and after the actual event via social media and signage.

The 2015 Schedule To Be Announced at November Event
The 2015 events calendar and assigned non-profits will be announced at the November 20th Anniversary Party. At this time, businesses can also request months that they would like to be a Super Sponsor. For non-profits interested in applying, you must be a 501c3 and if you’d like to be considered for 2016, please submit your application prior to June 1st, 2015. Email [email protected] for an application or Super Sponsor information.

First Friday Dover
As a reminder, the downtown merchants get together every first Friday of the month to throw fun events similar to a block party with music, refreshments, activities and sales. All proceeds go towards the corresponding Gals That Give Charity of the Month. The checks are presented the charity at each Gals That Give event.

The Education Piece
In one year, we have learned about eleven additional non-profits and resources that support the area where we live. Prior to dinner the non-profit takes a few minutes to present to to the audience through testimonials, experiences and statistics. I feel that this is the most inspirational part of what we do with Gals That Give. Everyone has faced struggles in their lifetime. When someone stands up to share their story with us you can feel the energy in the room pull together as a support system. The sense of community is so powerful it gives me goosebumps every time I think about it.

About the Dover Fraternal Order of Police:
The mission of the Dover Fraternal Order of Police is to assist a fellow members in need and protect and serve their community and the citizens who represent it.

The Fraternal Order of Police is the world’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers and has become the voice of those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities. The F.O.P. is dedicated to improving the working conditions of law enforcement officers and the safety of those we serve through education, legislation, information, community involvement, and employee representation. Lodge #15 represents the Officers of the City of Dover Police Department.

In fact, there is more you can do if you wish to support some interesting social projects. Check out MAKEITHAPPEN.ORG.AU for details.

Heroes and Helpers
Outside of their daily routine the police officers of the Dover F.O.P. give back to the community by organizing fundraising events and participating in various programs such as the Special Olympics, Toys for Tots and Dover Night Out. During the holiday season they continue to work with organizations like Heroes and Helpers to raise funds so they can brighten the holiday for families who need it most by taking a group of children in need shopping at Target for the holiday.

About the Gals That Give Charity
Gals that Gives’ mission is to cultivate local community non-profit organizations by connecting them with a larger network so they can continue to make an impact where we live and breathe every day.

There are five founders that lead the organization:
Kim Willson, Ruggerio Willson & Associates
Erin Barrett, The Outlook at The Duncan Center
Christina Lessard, Lessard Builders
Stephanie Preece, George & Lynch
(and me!) Catrina Sharp, Lessard Builders

Event Details:
The Outlook at The Duncan Center in Dover, Delaware
Thursday, November 20th
5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
We can be reached via email at [email protected], on Facebook or by phone (302) 698-1091

October 28, 2014 by scstarter

Over the past few years, we’ve hosted a fun casino night for Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity called Blackjack to Build. This year, the event will be held Saturday, November 1st at the Lessard Residence in Dover, Delaware from 6 pm to 10 pm. We’re so excited for this year’s event – should be a ton of fun with twelve Blackjack tables and we hope you’ll join us. There will be beer, wine, food and a Chinese “pick a prize” style auction.

Tickets are $50/per person. It includes $300 of “funny money” to play and prizes for the top 5 winners. You can purchase tickets at the door or prior to the event online.

Check out this video from last year’s BlackJack to Build Delaware Charity Benefit!

Sponsors for the 2014 BlackJack to Build event include:
Fordham Dominion Brewery of Dover, Delaware
Dover Rent All Tents & Events of Dover, Delaware
Schwartz & Schwartz Attorneys of Dover, Delaware
R & R Commercial Realty
Del One Federal Credit Union
Shone Lumber
Simonton Windows
The Bug Guy!
Sam Yoder & Sons
Torbert Funeral Chapels
Wyoming Mill Work
Wolf Creek Surgeons
Bonnie Benson Attorney
Lansing Building Products
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Carole Kisner, Realtor

Silent Auction Sponsors Include: The Outlook at The Duncan Center, Acorn Books, Brunswick Bowl, Captains Lady Charters, Carmike Cinemas, Club Fitness, Cool Springs Fish Bar and Restaurant, Dover Symphony Orchestra, Delmarva Shorebirds, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, Dover Liquor Warehouse, Fifer Orchards, Harris Business School, Holiday Inn Dover Downtown, Jiffy Lube, Levy Court Commissioner Allan Angel, Liquor Depot, Maple Dale Country Club, Mark Reeve, Merry Maids, Outerwall, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Phillies, Procter & Gamble, Restaurant 55, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Roma Italian Restaurant, Shawnee Ski area, Shooters Choice, Texas Road House, Townsend Brothers Chevrolet, United States Senator Chris Coons, Washington Nationals, Wild Quail Golf and Country Club, Women’s Journal, and YMCA Dover

We hope to see you at the next Blackjack to Build Delaware Charity Benefit hosted by Lessard Builders!

October 28, 2014 by scstarter

We’re so excited to announce that our very own Christina Lessard has been named to Delaware Business Times’ list 40 Delaware Achievers Innovators Under 40!

“Christina has completely taken Kent County by storm, in that she has immersed herself in the business community while educating our young people that it’s important to be active in the community you serve.”

– Judy Diogo, President of Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce

Meet Christina Christina began working with Lessard Builders at a young age helping clean the office and run errands as well as other receptionist duties. As she grew older and more familiar with the business, she took on more responsibility and worked with her father, Brian on the day to day activities. Upon graduating from Wilmington University with a BS in Finance, she assumed the role of Comptroller and gained a more comprehensive understanding of the industry from the financial aspect. Today at 27, you can find her co-leading Lessard Builders with her father, working in the office with the administrative team, with clients at the model home or on the construction site. Since the 1940’s, the Lessard family has built custom homes with a passion for quality craftsmanship and superior design. As the fourth generation, Christina looks forwards to carrying on the business with the same values and dedication.

Building Community Homes Delaware — Lessard Builder’s Habitat for Humanity Day

The Importance of Philanthropy Christina’s passion for philanthropy was instilled at a young age. The Lessard family has always encouraged community involvement and the importance of “giving back” both as a family and as a company through the local food pantry, Habitat for Humanity events, schools and other local organizations. With philanthropy as a key influence in her upbringing, Christina strives to promote such work to her generation through young professional networking opportunities in hopes to work together to towards positive changes. Christina’s most recent work includes being a board member of Next Generation South a young professional philanthropic organization with the Delaware Community Foundation and partnering with the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce to form Innovative Initiative, an organization that focuses on young professional development through mentoring meetings and networking events. In the fall of 2013, Christina co-founded Gals That Give, a non-profit that holds monthly girl’s night out events for charity at The Outlook at The Duncan Center. In eleven events, the Gals That Give charity has raised over $40,000 for various non-profits in the Delaware community.

Gals That Give Delaware Community — Gals That Give April 2014 Fundraiser

About The Delaware Business Times The Delaware Business Times is an online and print publication that aims to keep Delaware’s business and civic leaders informed with essential news, information, trends, insights and contacts. According to the Delaware Business Times, the comprehensive quest for the inaugural 40 Delaware Achievers and Innovators Under 40 list took a few weeks searching far and wide across Delaware’s most successful professional organizations. “In short, we combed all three counties and talked to business leaders, titans of industry, and people in the know, looking for 40 candidates under the age of 40, all of whom are on the rise in their respective fields, exhibit an entrepreneurial spirit, and engage with their communities and local civic organizations on a regular basis.” Notes the online article by Robert Kalesse. To view the entire list, visit the article by Robert Kalesse on The Delaware Business Times.

October 20, 2014 by scstarter

Lessard Builders has a ready to move in or quick delivery home located in Osprey Landing, a custom home community in Milton, Delaware on the east side of the Route 1 highway with a doors from on of the new collections added to the washington dc door installation company services. With over thirty thousand in upgrades, The Tyrell offers 2,040 square foot of first floor living with an open floor plan, a large master suite, two car garage on a .75 acre lot minutes from Lewes for $349,000. If interested in scheduling a tour, you can call us at (302) 313-1554 or fill out this form.

Milton New Home Construction Delaware Tyrell — 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Ready to Move In Home

Quick Delivery Home: Milton Delaware New Home Construction There are many features to love about this home. This new built home is cute, functional and the flow of the floor plan is comfortable and entertaining. The Tyrell draws attention to traditional custom home details that are not typically found in “spec” or “quick delivery” new construction houses like wider trim around the base of the home, windows and doors or tray ceilings complete with trim work. Features such as practically placed pocket doors, brushed satin nickel fixtures, residential paving driveways, professionally painted walls with Sherwin Williams’ hues, arches in the doorways, granite countertops, large kitchen island, maple wood cabinets, tile in the baths, tile in the laundry room, prefinished hardwood floor and Thermatru entry doors are just a few additional notable features of the Tyrell. Best painting designs and ideas may be looked over at brushworkpainters.com.

Milton New Home Construction Delaware — The Tyrell Kitchen

Milton Delaware New Home Construction by Lessard Builders — The Tyrell Kitchen Island

Milton New Home Construction Delaware hardwood — Entertaining Floor Plan

Milton New Home Construction Quick Delivery Delaware — Great Room w/ Tray Ceiling & Hardwood Floor

Milton New Home Construction Delaware Osprey Landing — Master Bath view into Master Closet

Milton New Home Construction Tyrell Delaware Osprey — Walk In Master Closet

Milton New Home Construction Delaware Lessard — Tiled Master Shower

The size of the building lot matters because in the Delaware beach community, there are very few residential building lots available that are affordable and exceed a quarter acre in size. You can also have fences, plant a garden or have a swimming pool which tends to be restricted in many of the beach communities. A professional pool construction company can help you build your dream pool, so make sure to seek their services. If you are struggling to find a reliable pool cleaning services, contact pool services Houston. With a Milton address, The Tyrell is conveniently located minutes between the heart of downtown Lewes and historical downtown Milton. The location: Is only five miles from the Villages of Five Points town center. While traveling from the Lessard Builders model home in the Villages of Five Points to this home in Osprey Landing and homes under construction in Covington Chase and Oyster Rock, I have realized that many areas of Milton, Delaware are less than ten minutes from the popular, well sought out locations of Lewes, Delaware. It approximately seven minutes to travel five miles from Villages of Five Points to 14886 Heron Court in Osprey Landing. I must add that one of the perks to this location is having less traffic to and from your home during the busy summer season. Villages of Five Points town center: 5 miles 2nd Street, Downtown Lewes: 7 miles Canal Front Park Marina, Lewes: 8 miles Food Lion Grocery Store, Lewes Delaware: 5 miles Historic Downtown Milton, Delaware: 6.7 miles The Rookery Golf Course: 4.4 miles Cape May-Lewes Ferry: 9 miles Cape Henlopen State Park: 11 miles Broadkill Beach in Milton, Delaware: 8 miles Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk: 10 miles All Climate Storage Center: 6 miles Also a perk! If you lived at this Milton new home construction development, Osprey Landing, you can travel down Oyster Rocks road in biking, walking or driving distance you will find a cute little spot loved by the locals, The Oyster Rocks boat ramp. Perfect if you have a boat or if you are looking for a quiet, peaceful location with water views.

Milton Delaware New Home Construction Lessard Delaware Osprey Landing — Oyster Rocks Boat Ramp

View more pictures of The Tyrell via the Lessard Builders Facebook page:

Post by Lessard Builders.

Thank you for reading! If interested in touring this home, visiting the Lessard Builders home in Villages of Five Points or building a custom home, please call (302) 698-1091 or email [email protected].

Check out real estate investment options from Druther Home Buyers.

October 9, 2014 by scstarter

The Villages of Five Points East is a charming single family home development located east of Route 1 in Lewes, Delaware. This traditional custom home development offers small town living conveniently located in walking distance to grocery stores, restaurants and just a short bicycle or car ride to the picturesque 2nd Street of downtown Lewes.

Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware — Villages of Five Points Entrance, Old Orchard Road

Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware Hudsons Turn — Villages of Five Points, Hudsons Turn

Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware Town Center — Villages of Five Points Boulevard

Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware near King's Ice Cream — King’s Ice Cream on 2nd Street Lewes, Delaware

The neighborhood design includes 140 single family home lots, ponds with fountains, tree lined streets, landscaped entrances, sidewalks and water view home sites. The hardscape installation in particular is something we think you’re going to love. It completes the look of the place! There are two entrances, one located off Savannah Road just beyond the Five Points intersection and one located off of Old Orchard Road near the Villages of Five Points Community Center.

Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware Site Plan by Lessard Builders — Villages of Five Points East in Lewes, Delaware

Over the past few years, Lessard Builders has been building custom homes at the Villages of Five Points including our Sonoma model home at 33673 East Hunters Run. We have a variety of home designs available that will fit within the building footprint of the lots at Village of Five Points ranging from 1,800 square feet to over 3,000 square feet. As a true custom home builder, we work closely with a team of architects that allow you to make changes to our floor plans or build your own. Villages of Five Points homeowners have chosen to build with options such as basements for extra space or geothermal for energy efficiency and lower utility bills.

Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware Lessard Edison Home Design — The Edison Floor Plan

Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware Model Home — The Sonoma, Lessard Builders Model Home

Village of Five Points Lewes, Delaware: Stats

School District: Cape Henlopen School District
Minimum House Square Footage: 1500 square ft total
Amenities: Clubhouse, (2) Pools, Tennis Courts, Fitness Center, Sidewalks,
HOA Fee: Yes, 1200/yr
Sewer: Public Central Sewer
Water: Public Central Water
Zip Code: Lewes, Delaware 19958

Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware: Distances to local attractions and conveniences:
Beebe Medical Center: 1.8 miles
Food Lion of Lewes: .7 miles
Arena’s Café of Lewes: .8 miles
Downtown Lewes, Delaware (2nd Street): 2 miles
Canalfront Park, Lewes Delaware: 2.3 miles
Cape May – Lewes Ferry: 4 miles
Cape Henlopen State Park: 6.3 miles
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk: 6.2 miles
The Rookery Golf Course, Milton: 7.9 miles
Bethany Beach: 17.9 miles

Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware near Overfalls — Overfalls docked at Canalfront Park in downtown Lewes, Delaware

Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware near Cape Henlopen State Park — Cape Henlopen State Park

Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware near Cape May Lewes Ferry — Cape May-Lewes Ferry & The Kalmar Nyckel

The Lessard difference is in the details! Led by third generation builder, Brian Lessard, every Lessard Home is built with premium building products, energy efficient features and traditional yet superior craftsmanship. Here are just a few of the standards that we include in homes built at the Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware:

– On site stick built homes
– 2 x 6 exterior construction
– Granite Kitchen Countertops
– Hardwood Flooring throughout the main living areas
– Tile in the Laundry Room and Bathrooms
– Wide trim: 4 ¼ baseboard & 3 ¼ trim casing
– Engineered Roof Trusses
– Engineered Flooring Trusses
– Professionally Landscaped & Sodded Yard
– Little or No Maintenance Free Porches
– Insulated Therma-Tru Exterior Doors
– Designer Schlage Hardware
– R-23 Exterior Wall Insulation, Blown in Blanket (BIB) System
– R-49 Attic Insulation

Let’s Meet! The Lessard Builders model home is open daily from 11 to 5 or otherwise by appointment. If you are interested in meeting with us you can email us to set up a time to meet. Here are a few more homes that we’ve built at the Villages of Five Points:

Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware Milford — The Milford Single Family Home

Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware Lessard Kitchen — The Sonoma Kitchen

Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware Dark Hardwood Flooring — Another Sonoma Home

Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware Custom Home — Villages of Five Points, Lewes Delaware

Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware Georgia — The Georgia by Lessard Builders

Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware Porch — The Sonoma Front Porch

Villages of Five Points Lewes Delaware Bedford — The Bedford by Lessard Builders

September 4, 2014 by scstarter

If you were one of the hundreds of people that attended R2Hop2 this spring, you’ll understand my excitement for the upcoming event, Hogfest’14 at Fordham Brewery in Dover, Delaware. I love a day that lets you sit back, relax, enjoy the weather, eat when you’re hungry, listen to live music and enjoy your favorite beverage.

Fordham Brewery Music Festival R2Hop2 — **R2Hop2 2014** *Photo credit: R2Hop2 Facebook*

The Ultimate Sunday Funday: Football, Fordham Beer & Food Hogfest ’14 has been set up for the ultimate Sunday Funday complete with Football games on big screen TVs, craft beer from Fordham, wine, local food vendors, a wing competition, a pig roast, games and a great lineup of live music. Sign up here but keep reading for all the extra fun details! Bring The Family If you’re looking for an event to bring the whole family, the ladies can relax and take a break from the cheering and banter of the football games at the ladies’ tent hosted by Beehive Beauty Shop. The kids (free for 12 & under) can have their face painted and burn energy in the bounce house or playing yard games. From noon to 7pm there will be plenty of fun for everyone that wants to tag along with the Football enthusiasts. Live Music Featuring Local Artists: Emily Moses

Fordham Brewery Music Delaware — **Local Artist, Emily Moses** *Photo Credit: Emily Moses Facebook*

Jim Rezac

Kill Bad Radio

Joey Fulkerson

Fordham Brewery Music R2Hop2 — **Joey Fulkerson** *Photo Credit: CoveredBridgeMusic.com*

Local Wine & Spirits In addition to local craft beer from Fordham and Dominion Brewing, Harvest Ridge Winery from Marydel will be present for the wine lovers and Painted Stave Distillery will be there with spirits locally made in Smyrna, Delaware. Which restaurant as THE “Awesome Sauce”? Which wing sauce is the best? You be the judge! Try wings from the following restaurants to cast your vote on who truly has the awesome (wing) sauce! Who do you think will win in this group of contestants? Bethany Blues from Bethany, Delaware Kick n’ Chicken Peppers.com from Lewes, Delaware The Starboard from Dewey Beach, Delaware Woody’s from Dewey Beach, Delaware Cowboy Up from Dover, Delaware Touchdown Restaurant from Dover, Delaware Greene Turtle from Dover, Delaware Port Restaurant from Dewey Beach, Delaware Delicious Local Food In addition to a succulent pig roast you’ll be able to enjoy food from the wing vendors, scrapple dishes from Kirby & Halloway, ice cream from Tres Sorelle Dolce and a variety from Abbott’s Grill. I LOVE it when Abbott’s is a vendor at an event like this – every dish they offer is pretty much amazing and if you need a little more convincing just look at this chicken that I had at the Fifer’s Peach Festival. I also had a burger at R2Hop2 that was so good!

Fordham Brewery Abbott's Grill — Abbott’s Grill Chicken at Fifer’s Peach Festival

Are You Ready For Some Football? Trust me, this set up will be better than your living room. With beer and food at your disposal, live Football games will be playing on three big screen televisions. You won’t have to worry about anything else except cheering for your team and where you placed your square. I’m not certain which games will be playing at the event but I can tell you who is scheduled from the NFL website.

1:00 PM Games Dolphins vs. Bills Saints vs. Browns Lions vs. Panthers Falcons vs. Bengals Cowboys vs. Titans Jaguars vs. Redskins Patriots vs. Vikings Cardinals vs. Giants 4:05 PM Games Seahawks vs. Chargers Rams vs. Buccaneers 4:25 PM Games Chiefs vs. Broncos Jets vs. Packers Texans vs. Raiders 8:30 PM Games Bears vs. 49ers VIP Tickets: Unlimited Pints & Pig If you’re a die-hard football, craft beer and pig roast fan, you’ll want to check out the VIP tickets. Looks like there are a limited amount and there is a VIP tent so you can avoid long lines and missing the next play. Additional ticket options include General, Designated Driver, Kids & Under 21. You’re Giving Back Too! Did I mention that you’re doing all this fun stuff and still giving back to the community? All proceeds go to Next Generation South. Next Gen South is dedicated to helping young families, programs that increase access to child mental health services including but not limited to victims of abuse, suicide prevention, anti-bullying efforts and to combat teen dating violence. We’ll be there enjoying the end of summer/almost fall weather as a sponsor. Hope to see you there!

August 27, 2014 by scstarter

Raise your hand if you’ve joined the ALS charity ice bucket challenge?!

One of the greatest aspects of working with Gals That Give Charity is that you to consistently learn about charities and organizations dedicated to supporting our neighbors when they need it most. We hope to create awareness of these charities and in turn, build a stronger community. If you have been watching the news or browsing social media in the past few weeks, you are familiar with the viral charity ice bucket challenge. Proven to be successful in just a few weeks, the general public is much more aware of the ALS disease, patients are enjoying watching the challenges and the growing efforts have raised over 88.5 million dollars nationwide and over 238,000 dollars in our local chapter.

It is never too late to donate! The ladies of Gals That Give Charity were nominated individually so we decided to do the challenge and donate to the ALS Association together. We had fun dumping ice water on the next gal’s head but the ultimate goal is to help spread awareness and raise funds for our local ALS Association Chapter. In this post you’ll find our Gals That Give Charity Ice Bucket Challenge video, contact information for the local chapter and upcoming events that benefit ALS. I’d also like to introduce you to an inspiring young lady from Delaware that is going the extra mile to defeat ALS in Rehoboth, Delaware next month.

Kayla Wilson ALS Advocate Delaware — Kayla Wilson, Advocate for ALS in Delaware (Photo credit: ALS website)

Meet Kayla Wilson Kayla Wilson is an 11 year old ALS advocate from Clayton, Delaware. She first found out about ALS when she learned about the baseball player, Lou Gehgrig in a book at school. Impacted by the story of Lou Gehgrig’s fight against this life threatening disease, she made a point to keep researching ALS to learn more about it. It was just shortly after that Kayla’s parents told her that her Aunt Pam was in fact struggling with ALS. Moved by this news, Kayla searched for ways to help and joined the Rehoboth Beach Walk to Defeat ALS. She set a goal to be the Top Youth Fundraiser and raised just over $1,100 by going door to door, talking with friends, coaches, parents and anyone she could educate about the cause. Kayla became involved with the local ALS advocates to meet with Delaware State Representatives to discuss funding for ALS patient services. The day that Kayla visited the State House she wore her Walk to Defeat ALS shirt proudly and received a standing ovation after sharing her account of her Aunt Pam’s struggle with ALS. This year’s walk is September 13th and it will be Kayla’s first walk without her Aunt Pam. She has continued her efforts to raise awareness and funds for ALS research by hosting an event at her local nutrition store and raising her goal to $7,000. I truly admire Kayla for her compassion and dedication so I will be donating to ALS through her team to show support and cheer on her efforts to help raise awareness for ALS research year round in our area. If there is still time to donate to Kayla’s efforts, I hope you’ll consider it too!

Delaware Charity Ice Bucket Challenge — Kayla is so close to reaching her goal!

Gals That Give Charity accepted the ALS Charity Ice Bucket Challenge!

We happily pass the charity ice bucket challenge to the following Delaware non-profits & one super supporter! If you aren’t familiar with the charities listed below, feel free to click their name to learn more about what they do for our state. – Purrfect Haven Cat Rescue, past beneficiary – Cancer Support Community Delaware, past beneficiary – Beehive Beauty Shop, first official event sponsor – Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity, our September beneficiary! – 3B: Brae’s Brown Bags, a young Delawarean making a difference in our state! Rehoboth Beach Walk to Defeat ALS® Saturday, September 13, 2014 Location: The Boardwalk at “The Bandstand”, Rehoboth, Delaware Registration: 8:00 am, Walk Starts 9:30 am ALS Contact Information for Delaware: ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia Serves Central and Eastern Pennsylvania, Central and Southern New Jersey, and Delaware. Chapter Contact: Ashley Hendrix, Email: Ashley (@) alsphiladelphia (.) org Phone: (215) 643-5434 Address: The ALS Association, 321 Norristown Rd. Suite 260, Ambler, PA 19002 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) From the ALS Association website.

Just what is ALS? Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease, first described in 1869 by the noted French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. Although the cause of ALS is not completely understood, the last decade has brought a wealth of new scientific understanding about the disease that provides hope for the future. Lou Gehrig first brought national and international attention to the disease in 1939 when he abruptly retired from baseball after being diagnosed with ALS. Most commonly, the disease strikes people between the ages of 40 and 70, and as many as 30,000 Americans have the disease at any given time. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that usually attacks both upper and lower motor neurons and causes degeneration throughout the brain and spinal cord. A common first symptom is a painless weakness in a hand, foot, arm or leg, which occurs in more than half of all cases. Other early symptoms include speech, swallowing or walking difficulty. A smaller percentage of people with ALS may also experience symptoms resulting from degeneration in parts of the brain which control thinking, behavior, and language skills. Read more about ALS here.

Did you participate in the charity ice bucket challenge? What did you learn from your experience?

August 25, 2014 by scstarter

Fifer Orchards in Wyoming, Delaware has to be one of the best places where childhood memories and family traditions are made in our little state.

Family owned and operated since 1919

What’s not to love about Fifer Orchards Family Fun festivals with live music, pick your own fruit, hayrides, petting zoos, hand dipped ice cream, pick your pumpkin, choose your fresh cut Christmas tree, freshly baked apple cider donuts, corn mazes, s’mores by the fire and homemade apple cider? Whether it is a larger featured festival or just a fun, U-Pick strawberries weekend there is always a reason to get out of the house, save the television shows for later and enjoy the sunshine at Fifer’s farm.

strawberry picking at fifer orchards delaware — **You Pick Strawberries!** *Photo credit: Fifer Orchards*

U Pick Blueberry Season Photo Credit: Fifer Orchards — **You Pick Blueberry Season** *Photo Credit: Fifer Orchards*

Pick Your Pumpkins! Photo Credit: Fifer Orchards — **Pick Your Pumpkins!** *Photo Credit: Fifer Orchards*

From April to December, Fifer’s hosts a variety of events geared toward the current growing season. August is national peach month and I could not miss the popular Camden-Wyoming Peach Festival with peach ice cream day at Fifer Orchards. Every year the famous peach festival gets better and better!

Fifer Orchards Delaware Peach Festival — Just peachy!

A little bit of peach history. Delaware was the place to be for peaches in the 1800 and early 1900s. Spain first introduced them to our state in the 1800s and the crop flourished in Delaware’s fertile environment dubbing us the “Peach State”. In 1919 Charles Frederick Fifer moved to Delaware from the Shenandoah Valley in nearby Virginia. He started with 300 acres of land and a vision of growing high quality produce, crop diversification and farmland stewardship. Ninety five years later, his third and fourth generation family members are dedicated to growing and selling high quality produce while preserving the environment, serving the community and maintaining family values.

As the “Peach Blossom” state, you can find many peach festivals in our small towns during the month of August but Fifer’s is the first weekend and always well attended. I attribute the popularity to Fifer’s Peach Ice Cream Day!

They have various activities including live music, food vendors, games for the kids, train rides a petting zoo and free peach ice cream! The foodie in me was very impressed by the food selection, everything was well thought out and usually had a peach flair to it. My personal favorites were Nage Restaurant, Abbott’s Grill and Frankfurt Bakery.

Fun at Fifers Peach Festival — Climbing wall, inflatables and games for all

Chance of rain was no match for this crowd!

Live Music at Fifer Orchards — Live music! I even heard some of my favorite songs!

Frankfurt Bakery at Fifer Orchards — Frankfurt Bakery – they had peach cupcakes! So good!

Nage at Fifer Orchards Peach Festival — Peach Cobbler and Crab Cake from Nage = A-M-A-Z-I-N-G

Don’t miss a Nage Restaurant & Fifer Orchard event on September 12th! See below for event details.

Peach Ice Cream at Fifer Orchards — Fifers Peach Ice Cream! A Delaware Favorite.

We took a tractor tour of the Fifer farm!

We learned about the new tomato tunnels! — We learned about each crop & the new tomato tunnels!

Peaches at Fifer Orchard Delaware — Getting expert peach advice!

What is a farm festival without a corn or peach costume? Too cute!

Fifer Orchard Express Train for Kids — All smiles on the Fifer Express!

Grilled Peach Chicken from Abbotts Grill in Milford. Yum!

While August is a great month for celebrating peaches, it is also a great reminder that my favorite season, fall is just around the corner! That means apple cider donuts, hot apple cider, pumpkin spice everything, delicious farm to table foodie events and s’mores! Fifer Orchards is a great place to visit with your loved ones to make great memories and support a local family owned and operated farm.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events at Fifer Orchards:

– September 12th: Dinner on the Farm with Nage Restaurant, local beer tastings, local music, local wine tastings & 3 course localvore dinner!

– September 15th to November 1st: Fall Fest at Fifer Orchards! Corn Maze, hayrides, you pick pumpkins, you pick apples, apple cider donuts, pony rides, farm tours & much more !

– October 25th: Harvest Hustle 5K, proceeds benefit The American Cancer Society in Memory of Pat Vincent.

– November 29th – December 13th: Fifers Cider Fest Enjoy hot apple cider, holiday hayrides, s’mores by the fire, fresh cut locally grown Christmas trees, fresh locally made wreaths, handcrafted gift baskets and more.

– May: Annual Strawberry Festival

– June: Annual Blueberry Festival

– August: Annual Peach Festival

Connect with Fifer Orchards on Facebook, Twitter (@fiferorchards), Google Plus, YouTube or sign up for their newsletter.

Locations in Kent and Sussex County:

Farm & Country Store 1919 Allabands Mill Road Camden – Wyoming, DE 19934

Phone: 302-697-2141

Open: Monday – Saturday 8:00am – 6:00pm, Closed Sundays

Fifer’s Farm Market Cafe 200 Cullen Street Dewey Beach, DE 19971

Phone: 302-227-8680

Open: Monday – Saturday Call for hours, Closed Sundays

Fifers Farm Market Cafe in Dewey Beacb — Fifers Farm Market Cafe. They have coffee too!

Before you go – 3 More Things About Fifer Orchards:

1. Fifer’s participates in Delaware’s Farm to School Program to give students healthier choices at lunchtime.

2. In addition to local produce they offer local grass fed beef, free range eggs, local ground turkey, glass bottled local milk, homemade peanut butter, homemade almond butter & apple butter!

3. They have an amazing CSA or Community Supported Agriculture program that everyone raves about. Just take a look at one of the weeks below and find out more about it on their website.

Peach Festival — Making peachy memories at Fifer Orchards!

What are some of your favorite Fifer memories? If you haven’t had the Fifer’s Farm experience yet, I hope this post helps you get there!

Do you have a favorite Fifer Orchards Family Fun festival?! Feel free to share your thoughts with us.

August 24, 2014 by scstarter

“We have a good community. We know a lot of good people. I wish the whole Earth could be just one big community. Imagine if all the good people worked together.” – Braeden Quinn

Not long ago I introduced you to an inspiring young Delawarean that is finding time to give back to his community between school, sports and being a ten year old kid.

Meet Braeden Quinn — Braeden Quinn, Founder of 3B: Brae’s Brown Bags

I began working with Braeden after his grandmother saw an article about Gals That Give’s monthly girl’s night out for charity events in The News Journal. He reached out to us on Twitter, asking if we could help him plan an upcoming event. Impressed with Braeden’s mission to help others at such a young age, it was without question that the gals were all on board to help!

To my surprise, our task was not to plan a full scale fundraising event with fancy decorations, auction items or gidgets and gadgets galore. We were planning a fun party where Braeden could invite his biggest supporters and simply thank them for their help throughout his first year of 3B’s. What an A-W-E-S-O-M-E concept.

But seriously, our world today needs more positivity, selflessness and thank yous! To me, each brown bag that Braeden delivers contains more than water and healthy snacks. It sends hope, optimism and a proof that people do care. Something that we all need to be reminded of once in a while.

3B NonProfit Thanks Delaware

The celebration was a huge success! We were honored to be part of such a fun and thoughtful event. There were games like foursquare and cornhole, a moonbounce obstacle course, photobooth, door prizes, music from WSTW, t-shirts, cool sunglasses that fold up to fit in your pocket and delicious food. Who knew the Bear-Glasgow YMCA had so much awesome space for fun events and parties.

YMCA Bear Glasgow — Setting up at the YMCA

3B Summer Celebration at the YMCA — 3B goody bags & t-shirts!

3B Summer Celebration at the YMCA door prizes — Door prizes – so many winners!

Inflatables at 3B Celebration YMCA — The obstacle course from Inflatables R Fun!

3Bs: UDairy Creamery — Finn was the first to test taste UDairy Creamery!

Basketball Court at YMCA Delaware — Foursquare and basketball too!

Braeden even gave a great speech and gave out awards to people like his buddy Senator Bryan Townsend, Senator Bethany Hall Long, super supporters from his family like his grandparents, Ministry of Caring, The Food Bank of Delaware, YMCA of Delaware, Gals That Give & APO Zeta Sigma at University of Delaware. Delaware Senator Tom Carper, Jeffery Gentry of The News Journal, Tanya Steel of Epicurious were also thanked but were unable to be make the event.

Bear Glasgow YMCA Pavilion — The YMCA pavilion was packed!

Braeden and Senator Bryan Townsend — Braeden thanks his buddy, Senator Bryan Townsend.

Senator Bethany Hall Long Summer Celebration — Senator Bethany Hall Long with her award from Brae!

I was part of a planning committee that consisted of Braeden, his mom Christy, Terry Mullan of the YMCA and Kim Turner and Caitlin Custer from The Food Bank of Delaware. He invited us up on stage and said the nicest things about each of us! Braeden’s thoughtful and unexpected words gave me goosebumps – thank you, Braeden!! I just have to say that it is easy to bubbly and happy when you are helping someone like you make a difference in the world! You inspire us all, Braeden. Keep up the awesome work.

3B Planning Celebration — The #3BThankYou planning team rockin’ the 3B sunglasses

Sponsors of the 3B Thank You event were: YMCA of Delaware, The Food Bank of Delaware, 93.7 WSTW, Big Fish Grill, UDairy Creamery, Custom Ink, Gals That Give, Holman Moving Systems and the Transportation Union Systems Local Lodge 584.

3B Moo Mobile UDairy Creamery — Yum! Four flavors to choose from.

Amelia and Christy Mannering — Super Mom of Braeden, Christy and his sister Amelia!

Keep up the amazing work Braeden! Looking forward to next year.

Find out more about 3B: Brae’s Brown Bags
Braeden Mannering is a ten year old on a mission to help those in need with healthy snacks. He’s a food insecurity advocate and introduced Michelle Obama with a fantastic speech at the 2014 Kids’ State Dinner in July 2014. Follow Braeden’s adventures to do good on Facebook, Twitter or read his blog.

August 4, 2014 by scstarter

The community that plays together, wins together! If you haven’t heard about the hardworking Middletown community organization M.O.T. Big Ball you should keep reading! The annual 24 hour Big Ball Marathon supports the Middletown, Odessa, Townsend community year round through various avenues. I’ve had the opportunity to meet the hardworking group of people that go above and beyond to support to their community year round – they are amazing!

If you don’t have plans for Labor Day weekend, keep that calendar clear! Sign up for a team or stop by Silver Lake Park in Middletown, Delaware August 29th & 30th for family fun, live music, face painting, games, good food and sportsmanship for a good cause.

Middletown Community Includes Dogs — Big Ball: Fun For All!

Middletown Community Helps Delaware — Fun for all ages!

Middletown Community Labor Day Fundraiser — Even Chimps can play!

24 Hours of Fun For Everyone! This very unique fundraising event draws thousands of people from the Delaware community to watch softball games, participate in family fun activities and raise money for the Middletown Community. The actual softball tournament was the most fun I’ve ever had at any fundraiser. Ever. Playing in the M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon was like being in gym class again and the length of gym class depends on how many games you want to play! I played in three games last year with three different teams. It was actually the first time I’ve ever played in a softball game so I was pretty happy that it truly is a ball the size of a grapefruit. Teams are from all over Delaware – companies, radio stations, schools, sports teams, friends, clubs and there are even teams that play with their furry friends – dogs and horses! It is a great way to get the whole family involved in giving back to the Middletown community – children of all ages can participate and I even brought my dog Wolfgang along with me who loved playing in the outfield!

Marathon Teams A significant piece of the tournament is the four marathon teams that play for 12 hours straight against the hourly individual teams. I’m not sure how they do it but they were positive and upbeat the whole time.

What does the M.O.T. Big Ball do? The M.O.T. Big Ball Committee is dedicated to supporting those who need it most in the surrounding areas of the Middletown community. In addition to supporting other initiatives within the community, the funds raised from the M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon efforts provide a safety net fund to help families throughout the year who might experience an unforeseen job loss, illness or other startling life change. Over the past 16 years, the M.O.T. Big Ball tournament has raised over $500,000 for the Middletown community.

In 2013 alone, the annual Labor Day tournament raised over $63,000! Proceeds from the M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon supports many local organizations including: – The M.O.T. Big Ball committee has provided over $75,000 to the New Castle County Habitat for Humanity – M.O.T. Big Ball helps provide the roofs for the Habitat for Humanity homes built in Middletown. – Supports Positive Behavior Support (PBS) in the area’s schools. – Provide school supplies for the Appoquinomink School District – Neighborhood House, Freedom Center for Independent Living, Kellen Poultney Scholarship Fund, M.O.T. Special Olympics, The Everett Theatre, The Gibby Theater, Boys & Girls Club, Youth for Christ, Amazing Grace Ministries and the M.O.T. Senior Center. How You Can Help: – Tell your friends! Show support for M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon by connecting with them on Facebook – Donate directly to the community fund online. Every dollar counts. – Play! Join a marathon team (you brave soul)! – Play! Put a team together to play August 29th or August 30th for one game. M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon Starts: August 29th at 6:00 pm Location: Silver Lake Park 200 East Cochran Street Middletown, Delaware 19709

For more information, visit the M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon website or contact: Kate Rokosz Email: [email protected] Phone: (302) 379-1531

Testimonials

Tom and Gloria Douglas

Ocean View, Delaware

John and Denise Johnson

Lewes, Delaware

Sara and Jo King

Lewes, Delaware

Phone

Office Address

Lewes Office