Rudder benefit raises funds for Dewey fire victims

Alex Pires presents Dewey police officer Jack Kane with a basket of goodies which included a rare bottle of Woodford Reserve bourbon for his heroic role in discovering the April 16 fire and helping seven people escape the flames. Shown are (l-r) Alex Pires, Dewey Beach Police Lt. Billy Hocker, Patrolman Jack Kane and Dewey Beach Commissioner Paul Bauer. DAN COOK PHOTOS

Dan Cook

May 10, 2022

Alex Pires and the Rusty Rudder held a benefit May 4 to raise funds for the victims of the multi-home Bayard Avenue fire April 16 in Dewey Beach. Nearly 250 people attended the event that helped defray costs from the fire damage that was estimated at nearly $1 million.

Local entertainer Chris Diller was one of the people displaced due to the fire.

Officer Jack Kane of the Dewey Beach Police Department was honored at the event for saving seven people and a dog after he discovered the fire during his routine patrol.

Kane, 22, has been a full-time officer with Dewey Beach Police Department for two years, and was a seasonal officer for two years prior to that.

Entertainment was provided by Chris Diller, Laura Lee, Ginger Trio, Anjelique Buckley and the Benderz, Clark Cummings, and the JJ Rupp Band.

Patrolman Jack Kane’s family and friends joined him at the celebration. Shown are (l-r) Mary Kate Kane, Taylor Elliott, officer Jack Kane, Ann Kane, Ted Pfarrer, Patti Pfarrer, Lauren Ruoff, Tara Ruoff, Brittany Freel, Mary Ruoff and Paul Ruoff.

Alex Pires congratulates officer Jack Kane while Dewey Beach Town Manager Bill Zolper and Lt. Billy Hocker look on.

Having a great time at the event are (l-r) John Snow, Nate Graulich and Alex Pires.

Enjoying the outside deck are (l-r) Tiffany Patterson, Christina Schoppe and Carmel Monfiletto.

The Ginger Trio entertains the crowd at the event.

Entertainer Chris Diller, right, thanks Alex Pires for having the benefit for him and others affected by the fire.

Having dinner at the event are officer Jack Kane’s friends and family (l-r) Taylor Elliott, Paul, 2-year-old Conor and Brittany Freel, Mary Kate Kane and James Freel, 4.

Locals at the event are Mark Willhoite, left, and Jim Allen.

Clark Cummings sang a mix of covers and originals at the event.

Anjelique Buckley from the Benderz band sings a tune during the band’s set on the Rudder stage.

Anjelique Buckley from the Benderz band sings a Beatles cover.

Clark Cummings sings a ballad cover.

Nancy Curry of the Ginger Trio entertains the crowd with her melodic voice.

Alex Pires auctions off a rare bottle of 15-year-old Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon valued at $3,100.

Laura Lee entertains the event attendees.

Laura Lee sings a cover of a popular hit.

Laura Lee wails a cover of a Beatles hit.

Bartenders Jen Roe, left, and Sophia Genereux take care of the eventgoers at the indoor bar.

Having a great time at the outdoor bar are (l-r) Bob Mills, Gary Sterling, Bob Mills, Meggin and Butch Holtzclaw, Bill Gaines and Brooke Sterling.

Local David Vogt had the winning bid on the 15-year-old Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon valued at $3,100. His winning bid was $800.

Erik Sweterlitsch had the winning bid for a bottle of Clase Azul tequila.

Chris Diller entertains the crowd with his unique style.

Chris Diller sings an original tune.

Locals Bryan Erwin, left, and Tracey Resnick enjoy the weather on the deck.

Dewey locals Gary Talley, left, and Debbie Crow enjoy the music inside the venue.

The family and friends of Chris Diller and officer Jack Kane pose before the event. They are (l-r) Chris, Maggie and Denny Diller, Ann Kane, Jack Kane, Alison Diller, Joan Black and Margaret McBurney.

Posing for the camera are (l-r) Rachel Mateo, Devon Curtis and Rachel Novak.

The JJ Rupp band awaits their set.

The JJ Rupp Band was the headliner at the event.

JJ Rupp sings one of his hits.

JJ Rupp wails a tune.

Rudder benefit raises funds for Dewey fire victims

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