Donations support pedestrian walkway project in Rehoboth

Rehoboth Beach Main Street recently announced that it had raised sufficient money to pay the full cost of pedestrian walkway barriers and planters that will be used to create safer outdoor dining and retail areas around town this summer. These outdoor solutions were a response to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines imposed last year when the pandemic hit.

Support came not only via a grant from the Delaware Division of Small Business, but also through major contributions from corporate and private donors as well as social media funding efforts. Dogfish Head Brewings and Eats in Rehoboth was a major contributor, giving $7,500. Sussex County also provided grant support of $1,000, and the Village Improvement Association provided a $500 grant. Major private donors contributed over $5,000 including one anonymous friend of Rehoboth Beach who contributed more than half that amount. Social media campaigns, including Do More 24 Delaware, contributed almost $5,000 to the initiative.

Rehoboth Beach Main Street stepped up to raise the funds necessary to help businesses and the City of Rehoboth provide safe, enjoyable, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor experiences for residents and visitors. RBMS, as a not-for-profit entity, was able to seek funding from sources not available to the city government.

RBMS Executive Director Dan Slagle said the organization is overwhelmed by the generosity of neighbors, friends and businesses in supporting local dining and retail establishments. “They are our neighbors, friends and the lifeblood of our local economy. Our restaurants and retail play a major role in making Rehoboth Beach – the Nation’s Summer Capital – a vibrant and enjoyable place to visit and to live. Most of all, I am proud of the way the city and the citizens have come together in support of this project,” Slagle said.

Rehoboth Beach Commissioner Edward Chrzanowski said, “This effort is a prime example of how much we can accomplish together when we collaborate amongst the city, Rehoboth Beach Main Street, Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, residents, and the businesses, as we did with this successful endeavor.”