The end of August is always bittersweet. We’re still savoring memories of camp — friendships formed and rekindled, new skills discovered, and new challenges mastered. Our preschool classrooms are quiet this week as the teachers clean up after a fun- and sand-filled summer session and prepare for a new school year. And the joy and impact of our recent “Viva Las Vegas” Beach BBQ fundraiser will be felt long after we (finally) finish putting all the decorations away.
Even as one season winds down, we are gearing up for a whole new chapter of transformation and possibility: Your continued generosity has given us the confidence and the capacity to expand our services to 280 children and their families in our new afterschool programs at Milton Elementary School and H.O. Brittingham Elementary School. I hope you’ll read all about it below and consider volunteering or donating to give these kids a safe place to learn and grow after classes end.
We wish you and your family a safe and healthy autumn, and we look forward to sharing all the new stories the school year will bring.
Gratefully,
Richard T. Garrett
CBH Brings New Afterschool Programs to Two Milton Schools
Beginning this fall, Children's Beach House will offer new afterschool and summer programs at Milton Elementary School and H.O. Brittingham Elementary School. With a focus on positive youth development theory, the cornerstone of CBH’s work, these programs will provide essential academic support and social-emotional skill development for up to 280 students!
Afterschool programs provide educational and cultural experiences in a safe and supportive environment where children build positive relationships with their peers and adults who care about them. Children who participate show better-than-average outcomes around school attendance and engagement, social and behavioral issues, and academic performance.
“We are so excited to expand our relationship with the town of Milton and its schools in this way,” says CBH Executive Director Rich Garrett. “Again and again, research reveals that quality, dependable afterschool and summer programming is an essential part of positive outcomes for children, families, and communities.”
The afterschool programs will be run by Children’s Beach House in partnership with Cape Henlopen School District. Each site will serve up to 140 students, with a focus on academic support and social-emotional skills. The programs will also offer five weeks of summer programming. “Together, we are thrilled to embark on this partnership, empowering our learners with the tools, services, and experiences that lead to success and achievement,” says CHSD Superintendent Bob Fulton. “A community committed to student outcomes creates a brighter future.”
“This is a true partnership in every sense of the word,” Garrett says. “It takes a village to raise a child. This is our village. These are our children. We are eager to welcome volunteers, collaborators, donors and anyone else who wants to be a part of building a future where all children thrive!”
Ashley Furio 5K and Crooked Crawl Supports CDC and Honors a Legacy
Feeling the post-Olympics blues? It's not too late to be a champion!
Join us at Crooked Hammock Brewery on Saturday, October 12, for the 8th annual Ashley Furio 5K and Crooked Crawl to benefit the Children's Beach House Margaret H. Rollins Child Development Center! But it’s not just about the race – it’s about the celebration that follows! Bring your loved ones along for a day filled with excitement and joy. After conquering the 5K course, get ready to let loose at our incredible post-race party. Groove to lively music, engage in family-friendly activities, and indulge in delicious food and brews. Not a fan of running? No problem! Sign up for the Crooked Crawl instead. You’ll receive all the perks of the runners and start the race, but you can head straight to the post-race party for a day of non-stop fun!
Ready to outshine the competition?
Start your own 5K fundraising campaign to multiply your impact! Your individual fundraising page allows you to share your story and set a goal. The funds you raise will help make our mission a reality! Click the button below to create your account in a few easy steps, and you'll be ready to bring home the gold for CBH!
We ❤️ Our Sponsors!
Our sponsors are the backbone of our fundraisers! When you choose to sponsor the event at any level, you're signaling your commitment to our kids and the community at large! Click below for sponsorship levels and perks!
Beach BBQ Fundraiser Meets with Record Success
Children’s Beach House wishes to thank the sponsors, organizers, and attendees of the 2024 Beach BBQ fundraiser held August 24, with special recognition to Kloe Thompson, the event’s committee chairperson. Over 300 people attended, making it the biggest crowd in the event’s 20-year history. “This fundraiser used to bring in about $60,000 when we started,” CBH Executive Director Rich Garrett told those gathered. “Tonight, thanks to your generosity, we are on track to clear $125,000 for Delaware’s children and families in need!”
Among the crowd were local and statewide elected officials, including New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, State Senator Russ Huxtable, Attorney General Kathleen Jennings, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, and Sussex County Councilman Mark Schaeffer.
A few other celebrities joined in the festivities, including Mary McDonough and Eric Scott of The Waltons television show, and local country music star Jimmie Allen, who performed live for the crowd, signed the guitar he was playing, and donated it for the live auction moments later.
The evening also featured an art show, music by DeeJay Shelly, and food and drinks by Greater Good Events. Funds raised from the Beach BBQ will support year-round programming for children with communicative disabilities across the state.
Trudy Graboyes to Perform "Her Strength, Our Story" to Benefit CBH
Children in the Youth Development Program will likely know Miss Trudy, who has brought music, dance, and theater activities to Children's Beach House and Milton Elementary School since June 2022. What they may not know is the story of how she and her family came to America two generations ago. On October 27, that story is coming to CBH in Trudy Graboyes' one-woman show, "Her Strength, Our Story: My Grandmother's Journey from Europe to America."
It's a moving account, in song and spoken word, of one family's intercontinental journey out of hardship and oppression towards a brighter future. With original music written and performed by Trudy, this story of resilience and courage will inspire audiences of all ages.
The performance will be Sunday, October 27, 3:00–5:00, at Children's Beach House. Tickets may be purchased in cash at the door for $20. All proceeds benefit Children's Beach House and the Beebe Medical Foundation's Special Needs Fund, which assists patients who have limited financial resources.