Lewes in Bloom reaches $50,000 fundraising goal

Lewes in Bloom has met its goal of raising $50,000. 

The all-volunteer organization embarked on the Bucks for Blooms fundraising effort in early August after seeing its usual revenue sources diminished or completely eliminated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

But the community stepped up and Lewes in Bloom reached its goal in about a month. A small group of Lewes in Bloom volunteers gathered Sept. 4 outside Citizens Bank on Second Street to watch Diane McGreal paint the last bit of a green stem on a large wooden tulip signifying the mission was accomplished. 

Dianne Stevens, co-chair of Lewes in Bloom, said she did not expect to raise the money so fast. 

“It says something about the generosity of the people in Lewes and the visitors who come to Lewes,” she said. “We couldn’t have done it without them.”

A total of 721 people donated to the effort. Donations came in from as far away as California and Florida, she said.  

Despite the COVID-19 situation, Lewes in Bloom volunteers have managed to keep the city looking beautiful. They’ve been working is smaller groups with face masks and social distancing. 

The $50,000 will be used for fall and winter plantings, and decor throughout the downtown area.

Lewes in Bloom was founded in 2002. Along with founder Warren Golde, there were seven other original members. Membership has grown to 280 members, who dedicate more than 10,000 hours each year. 

Although the campaign goal has been reached, Lewes in Bloom will continue accepting donations through the end of September. Donations may be made at www.lewesinbloom.org or by sending a check to Lewes in Bloom, P.O. Box 308, Lewes, DE 19958.