Non-Profit

August 27, 2018 by scstarter

Have you ever thought to yourself, ‘Labor Day and Fall are here… Summer and the year are coming to an end…’? Yeah, me too, guilty-as-charged. For those who haved lived in coastal areas, Labor Day traditionally signaled an emptying of the beach and what feels like an end to the ‘year’. What many come to realize is, there is something very different about the end of Summer in Sussex County.

The fable of the quiet Delaware beaches in Fall and Winter 2018 are far from reality. Instead, the end of August in Delaware signals the beginning of a new season- the Fall Fun season. Each month this Fall we will spotlight a few of the Fall Fun activities taking place throughout Sussex County. We want to welcome you to our new local spotlight blog series which will highlight the ins and outs of social events in Sussex County.

September in Sussex:

Bethany Beach Labor Day Jazz Funeral-

2018 Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral 5:30 p.m. September 3rd 2018

Feeling the itch to get out and enjoy every last drop of Summer 2018? Check out Bethany Beaches’ annual Labor Day weekend Jazz ‘Funeral’ parade! We love this incredible little festival which bids adieu to the Summer gone by with a ‘funeral’ parade, three bands of rockin Jazz music, games, food and a beach celebration all their own! This year’s kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on Labor Day, Sept 3rd, at the North end of the Bethany boardwalk. For more event details visit their website at www.jazz-funeral.com/

Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber of Commerce Sandcastle and Sculpture Contest-

Labor Day and the Summer months come and go but the fun at our Delaware Beaches doesn’t stop in September. If you’re in town the weekend after Labor Day check out the Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber of Commerce’s annual Sandcastle Sculpture contest! The contest is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary this year and is known for the massive, intricate sand creations that consistently wow spectators. This year’s event starts at 10 a.m. on Sept. 8th and wraps up with awards at 5 p.m. For additional information about the 2018 contest, visit https://www.beach-fun.com/events/event/2954-sandcastle-sculpture-contest.html

22nd Annual Dewey Beach Triathlon-

22nd Annual Dewey Beach Triathlon 8:00 a.m. September 15th

Delaware Beach athletes, rejoice! As the warm weather subsides we get the closer to Dewey Beach’s annual Sprint Triathlon! The event is one of the largest Triathlons on the East Coast and takes place this year on September 15th. The Triathlon was formed in 1996 as a grassroots way for local Triathletes to support the community and hone their skill. The event has now grown to about 1000 annual participants. Information on the race and sign-up forms can be found directly on their website, www.deweybeachtriathlon.com On-line sign ups close on September 11th at 7:30 a.m.

SoDelFest, The Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival-

2018 SoDelFest 12:00 p.m. September 29th

The Fall activities start off strong on September 29th with SoDelFest 2018: The Southern Delaware Wine Food and Music Festival. SoDelFest is a fundraiser which brings the very best of Southern Delaware food, wine, and music together to experience under one roof. The event gives attendees an all-they-can-sample taste of food from 20+ of the best local restaurants and over 40 exceptional wines, beers and spirits. The festival’s other main event will be a LIVE mystery-ingredient Chef Throw Down that pits some of the best local Chefs from Lewes restaurants against their counterparts from Rehoboth Beach! For more information about this fantastic foodie fundraiser and to order tickets, visit https://www.sodelfest.com

We hope you’ve enjoyed the first post in our new local spotlight blog series! Check back with us next month for the second entry about events in October!

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

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.

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 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

September in Sussex:

Bethany Beach Labor Day Jazz Funeral-

Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber of Commerce Sandcastle and Sculpture Contest-

22nd Annual Dewey Beach Triathlon-

SoDelFest, The Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival-

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