Wine, Food & Music Festival Raises $32,000 for charities
The 6th annual Southern Delaware Wine, Food and Music Festival took place Sept. 18 and raised $32,000 for two charities – Delaware Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and Developing Artist Collaboration.
The event was held at Independence Clubhouse in the Long Neck area, where more than 600 attendees enjoyed offerings from some of the best local restaurants along with wine, beer, spirits, a silent auction and live music. In its six years of existence, the festival has raised $150,000 for Sussex charities and nonprofits.
Creative Coastal Connections Executive Director Stacy LaMotta, founder and organizer of the festival, said this was by far the most difficult event she has ever coordinated, due to the labor and logistical wrinkles brought on by the pandemic. However, she said, the outcome was awesome.
“We had more attendees and raised more money for our local nonprofits than ever before. I’d call that event success,” said LaMotta.
Carrie Leishman, DRAEF president and CEO, said the association is transitioning the industry relief fund into an ongoing disaster and emergency relief fund that helps restaurant industry workers when they need it most.
“Supporting our restaurant workforce is something we will always be passionate about, and following our pandemic response, we will continue to offer support to those who serve us daily,” said Leishman.
The industry relief fund will be kept alive with ongoing donations, and applications will reopen soon to support restaurant workers in emergency and crisis situations, following accidents and natural disasters, and with any critical or urgent needs, said Leishman.
“We are so thankful and appreciative of our partnership with the Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival and other like-minded supporters that continue to host events and fundraisers that strengthen our community by supporting and sustaining our neighbors, co-workers and friends," said Leishman.
The Developing Artist Collaboration will be allocating its proceeds toward its West Rehoboth Mural Project. The mural is expected to be unveiled during Memorial Day weekend 2022.
“Our mural project is so important to our organization and to the community of West Rehoboth. It has been such an amazing opportunity for us to be a part of Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival, and we are so thankful for the community coming together at such a fun event to support this vital project,” said Leah Beach, DAC founder and executive director.
