Give Back

December 14, 2018 by scstarter

The Twelve Days of Christmas are here and the 2018 holiday season is heating up! Whether you celebrate Christmas, or you just finished celebrating Hanukkah, happy holidays!

This year for the holidays Lessard Builders made it our mission to go above and beyond anything we’d done before to spread cheer and help the less fortunate people of Delaware. Over the past few weeks everyone at Lessard Builders has been as busy as Santa’s elves, but we wanted to take a moment to talk a bit about the holidays at Lessard Builders and what we’ve been up to.

Lewes Christmas Parade

How many of you love spreading holiday cheer loud and wide for all to hear? Yes, we borrowed that line from Elf and it precisely describes Lessard’s first big holiday event happening of 2018; The Lewes Christmas Parade! On Saturday, December 4^th the town of Lewes held their 87^th annual Lewes Christmas Parade and our team participated in the Christmas parade fun with a custom built Christmas float and costumes we made for the event!

Our Lessard float was themed ‘A Lego Superhero Christmas’ and roughly a dozen members of our team donned custom homemade life-size Lego superhero and supervillain suits to partake in the holiday fun! The float had two parts; A platform built of colored blocks and holiday lights which carried the seven life-size superheroes and a jail cell decorated with holiday lights in the rear that transported three villains. The two-platformed superhero float was driven through the downtown Lewes parade route by Lessard Builders owner Brian Lessard in his white SUV. The Lessard Builders SUV, topped by a white “Built by Lessard Builders” sign, proceeded down the parade route with our heroes and villains waving from the floats while superhero theme songs like “The Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin played in the background. The weather was perfect, all the incredible people that came out were singing and cheering, and kids were so excited to see life-size Lego Batman, Iron Man, Thor and The Joker coming down the parade. We turned down Second Street to a swarm of smiling children. Everything beautiful about the holidays crystalized into one timeless moment. It meant the world to us at Lessard Builders.

It was special to be a part of the 2018 Lewes Christmas parade and to see so many smiling faces for the holidays. We’d like to thank the Lewes Chamber of Commerce for doing an exceptional job with the 2018 parade. Lastly a humble brag, we are proud to say our float earned a 2^nd Place trophy in the Commercial Float category and a 2^nd Place prize for Best Sound! We have our sights set on trying to spread double the Christmas parade cheer next year!

Toys for Tots

The 2018 holiday season has also been special to us for another reason.

Our owners Brian and Kathy Lessard come from large families and know how difficult on a family the holidays can be. Coming from a family of more than a half dozen, owner Brian Lessard was determined this holiday season to do more than only participating in a night of holiday parade cheer. We wanted to do our best to ensure every child across Delmarva is smiling on Christmas morning with presents to open. This holiday season Lessard Builders was a US Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program official Toys for Tots Toy Drop location for our first time!

Our model home The Saltaire acted as an official Toys for Tots Toy Drop location beginning in early November until last Saturday, December 8^th. Dozens of toys were dropped off during that time and we’re so grateful for all the children on Christmas morning who we may have helped. We’d like to thank every Lessard homeowner, every construction industry colleague and every friend and neighbor who pitched in by donating a toy. You all helped us make our first ever time hosting a Toys for Tots toy drive a success, thank you.

Lessard Builders is proud to also have sponsored three of Delmarva Broadcasting’s local radio stations as they broadcast live last Saturday from the site of three Toys for Tots Toy Drive locations, in: Georgetown, Milford, and Berlin/Ocean City MD. Between the three locations thousands of toys were collected- all of which we are told will stay right here locally and given to families in need across Delmarva. Our very own Christina Lessard brought and delivered our two huge boxes of toys to Toys for Tots last Saturday as well!

We are so excited to have pitched a hand in with Toys for Tots to make the holidays brighter. The idea of children not having a Christmas morning just doesn’t sit well with us.

Well look at the time… it’s time for some chocolate chip cookies and milk! That’s all for now! From all of us at Lessard Builders, we hope you enjoy a safe, peaceful, joyous holiday season! Merry Christmas!

November 19, 2018 by scstarter

Lessard Builders and Toys for Tots to Brighten the Holidays for Children in Need

Delaware Custom Home builder, Lessard Builders, is excited to announce their official participation in the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program and their model homes’ official designation as a Toys for Tots toy drop location. On behalf of Toys for Tots, Lessard Builders is collecting new, unwrapped toys and games at their model home The Saltaire, located at 18244 Show Jumper Lane in Lewes, Delaware. Those looking to support Toys for Tots and Lessard Builders in their goal of helping needy children this holiday season can bring their new, unwrapped toy or game, be it from any place on the internet like https://skytechlasers.com/home-printer-with-cheap-ink/, to The Saltaire any day of the week between 10am and 4pm. Lessard Builders’ local Toys for Tots toy drive campaign runs through December 7th.

Through the generosity of individuals, businesses and organizations across the country Toys for Tots plays an active role in providing holiday gifts to children living in poverty. Lessard Builders has proudly supported Delaware communities and local organizations for decades. Lessard Builders is honored to support Toys for Tots 2018 in their mission of helping children in poverty enjoy a joyous holiday season.

More Toy Drive Information

For information about Toys for Tots and donating in your local area, please visit, www.toysfortots.org/donate and click Find Your Local Campaign. For more information about Lessard Builders’ Toys for Tots toy drive Campaign visit our blog: https://www.lessardbuilders.com/livedelaware/

October 12, 2018 by scstarter

Be Safer. Fire Safety 2018

Fire Safety NFPA image — Fire Prevention Week 2018

This week, October 8^th to October 14^th, is 2018 National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Fire Prevention Week. The NFPA has come into a collaboration with Firerite and Pennsylvania Fire Watch Guards to educate people of all ages about Fire Safety every second week of October. Public awareness of the need for fire safety began in America in the early 1900s. The NFPA began designating a fire prevention week in the 1920’s to help solve this issue. Early 1900’s Americans had to be very diligent while living in their all wood structures. In early America a small stray spark could begin a fire that turned into a major tragedy- like the Great Chicago Fire of the late 1800’s.

In the case of business, it can be even more complicated. Fire can come from all kinds of sources, and be of different types. Electrical fires are particularly dangerous, deadly, and difficult to control. A routine inspection of the commercial electrical installation as well as commercial wiring by experts such as a professional commercial electrician is a great way to avoid running into these kind of issues at any point in the future. There has been many strategies to try and improve these percentages but some of them have not been successful. A great way that industrial production could improve is to sell electrical equipment. Depending on the engraving business, there could be lots of people to move to safety in the event of an emergency, so it would be best to try to avoid anything of the sort occurring as much as possible. Make sure to hire a professional electrician and have him perform a transformer oil testing to make sure that your transformers and other electrical equipment function properly.

For those of you who might not know, we Lessards come from a family of builders that has been hammering nails since the mid-1900s. Years ago, almost all building materials used were either extremely flammable, or made of wood, so our family has sadly seen dozens of fires that have destroyed a family’s or a businesses’ property. Little that breaks our heart more, so, in support of this week and National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Prevention Week, we’d like to steer you toward the NFPA’s exceptional fire safety resources such as the new evac chair in the market. This year’s theme is ‘Look. Listen. Learn. Be Aware. Fire Can Happen Anywhere.’ We hope this resource provides you all a starting point to improve your homes or businesses fire safety techniques for decades!

NFPA Fire Prevention Week Tips:

Check out www.nfpa.org/fpw for tips, materials, activities, videos and even games about Fire Prevention and Fire Safety!

September 5, 2018 by scstarter

Celebrating Grandparent’s Day 2018

Did you know that, since 1978, the Second Sunday in September has been hailed as National Grandparent’s Day? If you already knew of National Grandparent’s Day, we’re impressed! We, like many of you out there, hadn’t heard a peep about this holiday to celebrate Grandparents until very recently. Yet while just learned about Grandparent’s Day, we quickly realized this little-known holiday celebrates some of the most deserving and important people- the older members of our family who came before us. Join all of us in honoring and remembering the elders in our lives and our communities who helped mold and show us the way. This Sunday, September 9th, is Grandparent’s Day 2018.

The Origin of a National Grandparents Day

Forty years ago, President Jimmy Carter decided Grandparents and elders also deserved a National day of recognition. At the proclamation ceremony in which National Grandparent’s Day was created, Carter declared, “The Elders in each family have the responsibility for setting the moral tone for the family and passing on the values of our Nation to their children and grandchildren. They bore the hardships and made the sacrifices that produced much of the progress and comforts we enjoy today.” What is striking about President Carter’s words is that while they rang clear in 1978, forty years later they still resonate. Grandparents are often key figures in helping us and our children to imagine and dream, create a connection to family culture and develop a sense of our past and family history.

Grandparent’s Day and Our Lives

Take this moment to think back to the most influential people in your life… who are they?

Some of you may immediately have thought parents or grandparents, siblings, aunts or uncles, friends etc. but regardless of who popped into your head- they were likely influenced at some point by an elder who took the time to help mold, mentor and set the tone for them. President Carter created this day to recognize the critical role of elders and Grandparents in the successful foundation and growth of American society in a way similar to Mother’s and Father’s Day.

Grandparent’s Day is especially important to us at Lessard Builders. It was Dan Lessard, our founder and Grandfather/Great-Grandfather, who laid the foundation for Lessard Builders. Dan then taught his son Addie the carpentry, management and construction skills needed to be an exceptional builder and someday pass along the family trade. It was that carpenter-builder foundation which was passed from Dan to his son Addie which in time filtered down to Dan’s Grandsons- including Brian Lessard, our owner today. Without the foundation laid by past generations Lessard Builders and many businesses would not exist today.

Dan Lessard hard at work on the construction site. — Dan Lessard and family working together on an early construction job site.

Addie hard at work to ensure this 2 x 6 is a perfect fit. As the old adage goes, "Measure twice, cut once." — The second generation of Lessard’s building; Addie, working on site.

A young Brian Lessard hard at work and eager to learn on the job site. — Two generations of Lessard ‘builders’ discussing the job and family trade.

Please take a moment this Sunday, September 9th to honor and remember the elders in your family and your life who lit the torch to show you the way. As Socrates once said, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” If not for many a Grandparent’s stories, love and encouragement, most of us and our Nation would be very different today.

Grandparent’s Day Information & Resources

For more information about Grandparent’s Day visit https://grandparentsday.org/ , Proclamation 4580- The National Grandparents Day Proclamation or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Grandparents_Day .

March 6, 2018 by scstarter

Last week Lessard Builders joined hands with Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity, roughly two dozen subcontractor construction companies including Ryker Hardware, and dozens of volunteers all equipped with the best drillpressor, saws and hand trucks came together to accomplish a herculean feat. The Lessard-Habitat coalition set out to build a home- from foundation to completely finished- in just four days for AmeriCorps Delaware! The project, known as the 2018 Habitat for Humanity Builders Blitz, began on Tuesday May 29^th and finished up in the afternoon of June 1^st. When sod finally covered the front yard at 115 Pine Street in Wyoming on Friday June 1^st it became apparent; Lessard Builders with their subcontractor partners and volunteers had accomplished the improbable!

The project, the 2018 Builders Blitz, will provide volunteers of AmeriCorps Delaware with a place to live in during their service time in Central Delaware. Planning for the 2018 Builders Blitz began months ago and was made possible thanks to Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity, the support of the mayor and town of Wyoming, and multiple financial partners, roof replacement contractors and community groups. Dozens of subcontractor construction businesses from all over Delaware also volunteered by donating materials and hours of their businesses’ labor to assist Lessard Builders and Habitat with the 2018 Builders Blitz for AmeriCorps Delaware.

On Day one walls for the first and second floor were installed, then a roof thanks to Palm Coast roofers, the purpose and potential of building this 2018 Builders Blitz home for Habitat and AmeriCorps was what attracted many who participated. The home will house AmeriCorps service members who come into Central Delaware to give back and serve by completing various local projects throughout the Dover community. What struck Lessard Builders owner Brian Lessard Sr is how this home will continue giving back to Central Delaware, thus paying it forward long after the work on it was completed. “Truth is that I have to thank Habitat for the opportunity to be involved in such an awesome project. From the Lessard’s standpoint it is very important to be involved in community efforts. I can’t thank enough the subcontractors and suppliers, and Habitat volunteers as well… this would not be possible at all if it wasn’t for them. [We] all understand that it is important to take time to give back to a worthy cause… this home here will play a role in building so many more homes since we will now partner with the electrician dublin help.”

While a four-day home build may sound insane, the project represented the truest sense of community. Various crews came in and out and contributed their special skills all while working alongside others from other companies like commercial roofing st louis. The volunteers and subcontractors worked from sunrise to sunset side-by-side as efficiently as possible yet without sacrificing an ounce of quality which is why they also had the House Siding Soft Wash to make sure it is clean.

Then interior walls and windows, insulation, electrical from with Las Vegas Electrician contractors help, heating and plumbing installs were completed. Day two was another exciting day with the entire home drywalled and sanded, the exterior siding installed, the kitchen work began and so much more. Day three saw the completion of the kitchen installation, flooring installation, window and door frame installation, woodwork continuing and so much more. The final day, Day four continued smoothly and with tons of excitement- light fixtures and finishing touches were completed, kitchen appliances were set in their place and connected, the home was fully landscaped and finally the house numbers were hung next to the garage.

In all Lessard Builders is proud to have worked with Central Delaware Habitat and all the volunteers to complete this 2018 Builders Blitz home in four days along many more water restoration projects in the community after the rainy season. It was a massive success and we are honored to pay it forward for the volunteers of today and tomorrow who give their time to AmeriCorps and Central Delaware. For additional information, pictures and videos, visit our Lessard Builders page on Facebook!

December 16, 2016 by scstarter

Lessard Builders and CNU Fitness are excited to announce that they have been chosen to team up to participate in The 8^th Annual Dancing with the Delaware Stars which benefits Mom’s House of Dover and the Greater Dover Boys & Girls Club. The 8^th Annual Dancing with the Delaware Stars is a local community charity benefit takes place on January 28^th, 2017 at Dover Downs Hotel. The event begins at 6:00 P.M. with a speech by known activist shahrazad ali, followed by a 7:00 P.M. Sit Down Dinner, the 8:15 P.M. Dance Competition and open dancing for all after the event concludes.

For Lessard Builders, our decision to team up with CNU Fitness as partners in The 8^th Annual Dancing with the Delaware Stars was natural. CNU fitness is passionately involved in contributing throughout our local community. It was this shared passion for being locally focused and Delaware minded that led Christina Lessard and Sean Floyd to join together to support Dancing with the Delaware and the Greater Dover community.

Dancing with the Delaware Stars is an IRS Nonprofit 501(c)(3) entity event with proceeds that directly support our local community. Mom’s House of Dover is a licensed daycare that utilizes a professional staff and volunteers to offer single parents the opportunity to continue their education by providing free childcare services to single parents who are enrolled as a full-time student in either high school or college. Mom’s House maintains a 3:1 child/staff ratio and takes pride in maintaining a warm, quaint, caring environment for all little ones and their parents. The Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club is a local branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware which has been impacting lives across Delaware for 85 years. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware are the largest licensed provider of childcare in Delaware with the mission of providing a safe-haven where youth can meet with friends and be a part of a positive peer group. Clubs provide members with positive role models and a nurturing environment that focuses on helping youth improve decision-making and conflict-resolution skills while emphasizing character development and community involvement.

Delaware Dancing with the Stars pits nine teams, each composed of one celebrity and one professional dancer, in a winner-take-all charity event in which each team completes a pre-determined dance routine. After each dance, the team is given a score by a panel of judges and at the end of the competition, the team with the highest score in the final round will be selected as the 2017 Dancing with the Delaware Stars Winner!

Event tickets for The 8^th Annual Dancing with the Delaware Stars can be purchased directly on the event website at www.dancingDEstars.org and are $60. Event tickets includes access to the reception, hors d’oeuvres and 10 votes for the team of your choice. For those who would like to contribute but are unable to attend, votes can also be purchased and made directly online by clicking the Vote for Dancers tab on the website homepage; $1/Vote or $20 for 25 Votes. Come support our local community, Christina Lessard, and all your favorite dancers with your vote for the coveted 2017 Dancing with the Delaware Stars Mirror Ball trophy!

September 16, 2016 by scstarter

It’s that time of year, again.

The quick fading of one season to the next has begun. With the shift from Summer comes the inevitable, the re-entrance of crisp evening air. All that we love and associate with the Fall season: Pumpkin picking, hot soup, apple cider, the leaves crunching under our feet, a big plate of turkey and gravy.

While some of us anticipate and enjoy the change of season and the new opportunities and activities that arise with it, I know many are out there cringing with each passing September day. There’s nothing quite like digging your toes into the sand on Sunday in July; I feel your pain.

Fall of 2016 is poised to be unlike any other season we’ve had Lessard Builders! The calendar is creeping towards Fall and this year we so have many fresh ideas, mega-announcements and surprises we’re just about ready to reveal.

The first big event we’re particularly excited for is going down at 6pm tomorrow evening! Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity is hosting their 4th annual Saturday-night-of-fun charity fundraiser, Blackjack to Build hosted by Lessard Builders and family. We love to give back- it’s at the core of our beliefs at Lessard Builders, and so we couldn’t think of a better way to kick off a huge Fall season. Check out Central Delaware Habatat’s website because tickets are still on sale and it’s going to be an awesome night! There will be blackjack and poker tables, a delicious BBQ dinner cooked by local Rob Fox, wine and beer, live music with Jim Rezak, a wine wall with tons of prizes, and a silent gift auction. Whew! Yeah, that’s right ladies and gentlemen, you get to play cards and laugh and enjoy yourselves for a great cause! You can directly purchase tickets for tomorrow’s charity fundraiser event Blackjack to Build, here.

I know all of us at Lessard Builders are ecstatic to share some of our big news, but until then, enjoy that first steaming mug of apple cider. We won’t keep you in the dark too long!

April 24, 2015 by scstarter

Lessard Builders Partners With Habitat for Humanity For Delaware Home Builders Blitz Build For Delaware home builder Brian Lessard giving back the community has always been a priority. Over the years he has worked with numerous non-profits within the Delaware community through with local schools, organizations such as Harvest Years Senior Center, Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Wilmington and in most recent years, Habitat for Humanity. “I enjoy working with Habitat for Humanity because everything you do is local in the Delaware community and as an individual you actually see your effort making a difference in your backyard. Habitat for Humanity has evolved into a niche non-profit for me because the required skills to give back to the community and resources are directly related to the new construction industry while helping others succeed.” – Brian Lessard, Lessard Builders The Lessard Builders Team has worked with both the Kent County and Sussex County Delaware Habitat for Humanity chapters through various Women Builds, Delaware Home Builders Blitz Builds and every day new home construction builds. Most recently, Brian’s rewarding experience working with Habitat for Humanity has influenced him become the President of the local Central Delaware chapter and become a major home builder partner in Central Delaware’s first Home Builders Blitz Build.

Home Builders Blitz 2014

The Home Builders Blitz Build is an exciting opportunity for Habitat for Humanity affiliates and professional builders to partner together to build new homes across the United States. The “blitz” part of the Home Builders Blitz is that the homes are built quickly – within a 5 to 10 day time frame! Welcomed by the industry, the Home Builders Blitz is an opportunity that gives new construction professionals an opportunity to work together, give back and build homes within their community – in a timely manner that they can fit into their schedule. Central Delaware Home Builders Blitz: Two Homes. Two Families. One Week! Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity plans to build two homes in downtown Dover, Delaware in one week. Brian Lessard is overseeing the project in the planning stages as President and acting as the home builder for one of the Builders Blitz homes in downtown Dover. The second home will be built by Habitat for Humanity construction volunteers and local contractors. The 2015 Home Builders Blitz houses are part of a total of five proposed Habitat for Humanity new construction homes in downtown Dover and part of two recent community development support programs, the Downtown Development District designation and the newly created Strong Neighborhoods Housing Fund. Together these initiatives will work together with Habitat for Humanity to build and strengthen neighborhoods in downtown Dover. Central Delaware Home Builders Blitz: Dover, Delaware June 8-12, 2015 Home Builders Blitz is an exciting opportunity for Delaware Habitat for Humanity affiliates and professional builders to partner together to build new homes. Watch highlights from the Home Builders Blitz 2014, where professional builders across the United States partnered with Habitat to construct more than 250 new homes: Get Involved! If you’re a contractor interested in participating in the Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity Home Builders Blitz – please do not hesitate to contact us! If you’re not a contractor and you’d like to join the fun – you can! Volunteers and vendors are still needed. Call Habitat for Humanity at (302) 526-2364 or Lessard Builders at (302) 698-1091. Habitat For Humanity Vision: A World Where Everyone Has A Decent Place To Live Habitat for Humanity new homes are built for homeowners that meet specific qualifications. Habitat homes are not given away – to qualify families must live in substandard housing, earn less than 60% of the local median income, contribute 250 sweat equity hours, and purchase the home through a no-interest loan. Habitat does more than build affordable houses – it builds stronger, more stable families.

Becoming a homeowner achieves many of the following positive outcomes:
Developments a sense of community
Improves the outcome of children’s education
Improves the family’s health, many Habitat partner homeowners previously lived in substandard conditions with mold and additional health risks.
Builds self-esteem and creates a sense of pride
Develops greater financial independence and wealth accumulation
Provides an education for home maintenance skills

The Lessard Builders team is looking forward to a full week of intense, efficient home building for a good cause! Stay tuned for more Delaware Home Builders Blitz news. If interested in joining the Lessard Builders team for a future Habitat for Humanity Home Build, please email at [email protected].

Feel Free To Save & Share The Central Delaware Home Builders Blitz Images To Help Spread The Word!

February 18, 2015 by scstarter

Unmask A Child’s Future Charity Event:
Delaware Masquerade Ball for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sussex County, Delaware

Prior to sitting down with the Sussex County organizers of the Unmask A Child’s Future: Delaware Masquerade Ba ll, I shared the same first hand knowledge that most people have about the Boys & Girls Clubs Delaware: that the clubs are gyms where the community comes together for after school activities and athletics. I learned that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware are much, much more than that and play a large role in the futures of Delaware students.

Let’s face it, life is not so easy being a kid these days. Poverty, obesity and high school dropout rates are real life challenges for today’s youth. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware help combat these challenges by providing a unique mix of quality programs that focus on education, character building, physical education, health, and the arts. Collectively, the Delaware clubs serve over 25,000 youth — 1 out of every five school-aged children in the state. Over fifty percent of the children served have annual family incomes of $20,000 and forty percent of the youth come from single parent households. I was impressed to learn that 87 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to services and programs for kids and that sixty percent of club students in the educational programs see better results in Delaware State Testing.

One Large Event To Help All The Clubs in Sussex County
What makes The Delaware Masquerade Ball different from other Boys & Girls Club events in Sussex County? I can tell you from Gals That Give experience that it takes a lot of effort to put together a fundraiser – event planning, creating a committee, finding sponsors, auction items, securing the venue, choosing the menu, talking to vendors, selling tickets, sending invitations and then there are the small details that pop up along the way. There are six clubs in Sussex County and each individual club goes through this process multiple times a year for separate events within the same county, shared communities, sponsors, vendors, etc. The goal behind The Boys & Girls Club Masquerade Ball of Sussex County is to bring the Delaware community together for one event with larger sponsorships, attendance and proceeds to be split amongst the clubs of Sussex County. It makes sense to me! Neighbors helping neighbors – we’re a small state with a strong community and why not bring everyone together to support all the clubs in one large event and relieve pressure on some of the smaller events.

Yay! We’re A Sponsor: Join us at Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Delaware Masquerade Ball!
The Lessard Builders team is pretty excited to attend the Masquerade Ball on March 7th to help build great futures for the boys and girls of Sussex County. Tickets are still available – we hope you’ll decide to mark your calendars for March 7th and party with us for a good cause. Keep reading to learn more about the event and about The Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware.

A Fundraiser for #GreatFutures in Sussex County
The Masquerade Ball.. Unmask A Child’s Future is a black tie event and will be held Saturday, March 7th from 6 pm to 11 pm at Heritage Shores Club in Bridgeville, Delaware. Tickets are $100 each and can be purchased online by clicking this link or reservations can be made by contacting Zaida I. Guajardo at [email protected]. Proceeds benefit the Georgetown, Oak Orchard, Dagsboro, Seaford and Laurel Boys and Girls Clubs.

Masks & Music: Party Like Its Mardi Gras!
The Masquerade Ball is what it sounds like – a big party where guests can rock their favorite mask. It brings me back to the 1990’s version of Romeo & Juliet with Leonardo Dicaprio! It looks like so much fun. There will be entertainment from The Fabulous Grease Band, live auction, silent auction, step & repeat photography by Mike Baker & much more.

Event Sponsors: Let’s Party For Charity!
Lessard Builders is not the only business that supports a fancy evening out for a good cause. Other sponsors include The Freeman Foundation, Fulton Bank, Johnny Janosiks, Nanticoke Hospital, Craig’s Technologies, The Car Store and Discover are some of the few that have signed up to party for a good cause to date.

Win Something Awesome At The Auction
Items are still coming in from local businesses but the latest list includes auction items from 16 Mile Brewing Company, a low digit tag from the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicle, Complimentary Storage from All Climate Storage, Harrington Raceway & Casino: Bonz Gift Certificate, Ducks Unlimited, NASCAR Tickets, Coastal Brewing Company, Charlton Limited Jewelers, Bizzy Bee Service and Big Fish! Grill Restaurant.

Phantom of The Opera or Mardi Gras?
We hope you’ll join us in Bridgeville, Delaware next month! It is going to be a fantastic time. The hardest part will be trying to figure out which mask style to choose – I’m torn between choosing the Phantom of the Opera or a Venetian Mardi Gras look. Which style would you choose?

Tuxedo Rental Gives Back To Boys & Girls Clubs
Guys – if you need to rent a tuxedo for the event, you can rent your tuxedo from event sponsor, Bizzy Bee Service for the Masquerade Ball from any of the Sussex County locations. Bizzy Bee Service will donate 10% of all rentals to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. In addition, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware’s Corporate Board will MATCH the donation! Call 302-841-9639 for information.

Open The Door to Great Futures with The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sussex County, Delaware
The mission of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware provide a wealth of programs and activities to prepare young people for real-world successes. By focusing on academics, health and fitness, and leadership and service, the children Clubs serve will be better prepared to graduate high school and thrive as adults, contributing to their communities and to their nation. The Delaware Masquerade Ball for Boys & Girls Clubs of Sussex County is dedicated to these programs and aims to help create great futures for the residents of Sussex County, Delaware.

December 20, 2014 by scstarter

Dog Parks Have Many Benefits For Humans & Dogs! When our first dog Wolfgang became part of our family he was a little ball of fluff, a six pound puppy that would grow into a very excited 65 pound ball of energy. Just around the corner from us was a six acre dog park and when he reached four months we took him there up to three times a day.

Meet Wolfgang! Wolfgang With Friends at Delaware Dog Park Many Acres To Run!

An off leash park, Wolfgang was able to run around, get socialized, become obsessed with the “Chuck-It” and we even developed a weekly routine with other people and pups. The dog park was a great way to burn our new dog’s energy, ensure a healthy development and meet members within the community. We take Wolfgang everywhere he is permitted, we’ve traveled with him to Annapolis, Alexandria, The Poconos and he is my little co-pilot on my travels throughout the state of Delaware. There are a handful of established off-leash dog parks in Delaware including Levels Road Dog Park in Middletown, Carousel Equestrian Farm Off Leash Area in Wilmington, Tidbury Dog Park in Dover, Lums Pond Dog Park in Bear, Iron HIll in Newark and Brandywine Park Off Leash Area in Wilmington. The dog owners at these parks will drive thirty minutes to an hour for a good dog park experience or just because they do not have one in their hometown. We stop into the Delaware dog parks with Wolfgang on day trips with hopes to find a dog friendly restaurant along the way.

Wolfgang & Chevy at Cape Henlopen State Park Dogs Make Great Co-Pilots!

How Dog Friendly Is Delaware? In my opinion, I’d love for Delaware to be just like Alexandria, Virginia where there are dog bowls and dog menus everywhere you go. We are getting there! Delaware’s dog friendly status has improved in recent years but the Delaware beaches have always been the most dog friendliest. This summer Wolfgang tagged along with us on trips to Milton, Lewes and Rehoboth. We have taken him to the beach, Cape Henlopen State Park, downtown Lewes, Arena’s, Irish Eyes, downtown Milton and even had a few craft beers with food at the Dogfish Head Brewery. I feel that taking him to dog parks and subjecting him to different dog friendly environments has really helped him socialize and grow into a very friendly dog.

Wolfgang At The Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton

Lewes Dog Park – August 2015! Yes! The Lewes Unleashed group has been working hard to bring a dog park to the Delaware Beaches and I was overjoyed to read that a 4.5 acre off leash dog park in Lewes was approved and is set to open in August 2015. Yay! You will be able to take your furry kid on a stroll down 2nd street Lewes, grab a latte at Notting Hill Coffee and swing into the dog park down Pilottown Road or New Road. If you know Lewes – you just have to go towards the wind turbines or the area known as University of Delaware Research Park.

Location of Lewes Dog Park

What will it look like? Lewes Unleashed and Rodney Robinson Landscape Architects have put together this concept that was approved in 2012.

Lewes Unleashed Concept plan by Rodney Robinson Landscape Architects

About Lewes Unleashed – Lewes Dog Park Who is this hardworking group that will bring happiness to many Delaware Beach dogs and their owners? According to their website, Lewes Unleashed is an non-profit organization of residents who see the need for a dog park in Lewes, Delaware. They have collaborated and coordinated activities to educate residents, gain support and work with the City of Lewes to plan, fund and build a park for our dogs. The land will be sub-leased to Lewes Unleashed to oversee the project. The plan is to have 3 fenced areas; a general dog area, a small dog area, and a reserved area that will be used for events such as dog training clinics. There will be wooded trails, play areas, shelters, and benches. Estimated construction costs are $110,000 to clear portions of the land, install vinyl fencing, provide covered areas, benches, and water fountains. Lewes Unleashed Needs Your Help To Complete the Lewes Dog Park! In order to get the Lewes dog park to completion by August 2015, Lewes Unleashed will have to raise $110,000. Every little bit counts and since they have 501c3 status, donations are tax deductible. Please consider a donation to help this project happen for Delaware beach residents and visitors. Also – please share to spread the word because everyone will be able to use this public dog park on a visit to Lewes, Delaware – resident or not! You can donate online via the Lewes Unleashed Lewes Dog Park Go Fund Me page: http://bit.ly/LewesUnleashed Lewes Dog Park Donations can be mailed to: Lewes Unleashed Lewes Dog Park PO Box 406 Lewes, DE 19958 Connect with Lewes Unleashed by visiting their website and connecting with Lewes Unleashed on Facebook. Thank you for reading this post! I’m very excited to take Wolfgang to the Lewes dog park on my visits to Lewes, Delaware. The plans for the Lewes dog park by Lewes Unleashed and Rodney Robinson Landscape Architects look like a well thought out plan that includes trails, wooded areas and separate areas for big dogs and little dogs! My travels with Wolfgang across Delaware have made me realize the need for a dog park in Lewes and I hope this post helps spread the word! The trails look awesome and I know Wolfgang will love them! If you are looking for more information on the Lewes Dog Park and dog friendly places in Delaware, here are a few links and resources to help your search: – Cape May – Lewes Ferry Is Pet Friendly! Any pet that can travel with you in the car can travel on the ferry. – Southern Delaware Is Pet Friendly via Southern Delaware Tourism Lazy L Bed and Breakfast Resort in Lewes, Delaware If you are visiting the Delaware Beaches with your pup there are a handful of places that accommodate dogs but the Lazy L Bed and Breakfast Resort is the the friendliest! The Lazy L is located on 8 private and secluded acres just outside the town of Lewes, Delaware. Situated on the edge of a tidal creek vibrant with birds and wildlife, this bed and breakfast has a 1 acre fenced in for off leash play. Baltimore Sun Jill Rosen recommends the Lazy L at Willow Creek Bed & Breakfast: “Owners Debbie Estes and Joanne Cassidy, who have three dogs of their own — Lewie, Kelley and Rosey — know exactly what a vacationing dog owner needs: water bowls, lots of extra towels, flashlights for nighttime dog walks and blankets to spread over the bed so the little — or not-so-little — guy can sleep with you.” – The Inns and Outs of Weekending With Rover via The Washington Post – Beach Places That Welcome Your Dog via Baltimore Sun Article by Jill Rosen – Delaware Beaches Pet-Friendly Destinations via Delaware Tourism Website – Lewes council approves dog park sublease via Delmarva Now by Rachael Pacella October 2014 – Lewes Dog Park Gets A Green Light, via Cape Gazette by Henry J. Evans, Jr. March 2012 – Why Rehoboth Is A Dog-Friendly Vacation Destination via Huffington Post by Linda Lombardi – Wilmington Ranks No. 3 in the Country for Dog-Friendly Cities via Delaware Today by Joanne Cannon, March 2013 – Pet Friendly Accommodations: Rehoboth.com Dog Friendly Events: Delaware SPCA Bark on the Boards Dog Walk, Rehoboth Beach Sea Witch Festival, Rehoboth Beach – October 23rd – 25th, 2015 Festival takes place in Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach with Costume Parade, Dog Parade, Trick or Treating, Fun and Silly Games & Activities, Live Bandstand Entertainment, Lantern Tours, 5K Race and much more! Greyhounds Reach the Beach: October, Dewey Beach For more than 12 years thousands of greyhounds and their owners have gathered to participate in this event held annually on Columbus Day weekend. There are a variety of activities, contests, educational and rescue programs, and plenty of doggy and human shopping available. Delaware Humane Society’s Muttini Mixer – Saturday March 14, 2015 DHA’s Muttini Mixer is a dog-friendly cocktail party fundraiser held each spring. This fun event is great opportunity for guests and their dogs to mix and mingle with other DHA supporters and animal lovers while enjoying heavy hors d’oeuvres, open bar, silent auction items, music, and more. Dressy attire is encouraged for dogs and their people. Springtime for Greyhounds: April in Dewey Beach Dog Friendly Happy Hours hosted by Delaware Humane Society Meet and mingle with other animal lovers who support Delaware Humane Association at Playtime at the Beach, a series of “doggy happy hours” hosted by local restaurants and bars in Rehoboth Beach from May through October each year.

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

The Twelve Days of Christmas are here and the 2018 holiday season is heating up! Whether you celebrate Christmas, or you just finished celebrating Hanukkah, happy holidays!

Lewes Christmas Parade

Toys for Tots

Well look at the time… it’s time for some chocolate chip cookies and milk! That’s all for now! From all of us at Lessard Builders, we hope you enjoy a safe, peaceful, joyous holiday season! Merry Christmas!

Lessard Builders and Toys for Tots to Brighten the Holidays for Children in Need

More Toy Drive Information

Be Safer. Fire Safety 2018

NFPA Fire Prevention Week Tips:

Celebrating Grandparent’s Day 2018

The Origin of a National Grandparents Day

Grandparent’s Day and Our Lives

Grandparent’s Day Information & Resources

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