It’s hard to judge the impact of small choices until the effects have had time to mature. Eighty-eight years ago, a young woman from Wilmington decided to rent a cottage on the Delaware Bay and host 15 children with special needs for a summer of joy, healing, and growth. Two years later, the first Children’s Beach House opened its doors to 26 children, and then to hundreds more over the next eight decades. Today the children served by CBH number in the thousands, not counting the families, schools, and neighborhoods those children come from. “Children. Families. Communities.” It’s more than our tagline; it’s the ripple effect one small choice can have for generations to come.
Our recent celebration of Founder’s Day was a reminder of the impact we can have on each other. A visit by CBH alumnus Jaden Adkins, the recognition of D. Preston Lee, Jr.’s two decades of service to CBH, and the creation of a new trustee emeritus group honoring our longtime benefactors all serve to remind us that little investments over a long time have inestimable value. Whether your gifts to Children’s Beach House have been of time or money or expertise or some combination, know that we are profoundly grateful for the ripple effect you have initiated.
Yours in gratitude and progress,
Rich
CBH Alumnus Returns with Messages of Impact and Determination
The Beach House was abuzz with activity and special guests on Tuesday, July 23, for the annual Founder’s Day celebration in observance of Lydia Chichester du Pont’s birthday. Students from the Margaret H. Rollins Child Development Center and campers in the Youth Development Program (YDP) enjoyed a bouncy house and water slide, as well as a visit from the Little Farm petting zoo and face painters. At lunchtime, the dining room swelled to capacity with invitees, including State Senator Russ Huxtable and State Representative Stell Parker Selby, who sat alongside YDP campers and the CBH board of trustees. In addition to the traditional Taco Tuesday fare, guests enjoyed two different kinds of birthday cake.
After lunch, the group was addressed by Jaden Adkins, who attended the Youth Development Program from 2007 to 2018. After graduating from Dover High School, Adkins earned his bachelor’s degree in music from Delaware State University and his master’s degree in music performance from Penn State University. His skills as a tuba player have led him to perform across the world in places like Paris, New York, San Francisco, and Italy, alongside powerhouse performers such as Jon Batiste, Jason Moran, and Quincy Jones. “A lot of the skills I needed came from the Beach House, like the value of teamwork and working with people from all different backgrounds. I also learned how to listen to people in order to understand them, not just to respond.”
The lessons he shared resonated with our middle school campers, many of whom are involved in band, orchestra, or other musical groups in school. “Children’s Beach House is about preparing people for life," Adkins said. "Take the lessons you learn here and apply them every single day in what you do.” Adkins then treated the group to a live tuba performance before taking questions. “The best way to show people you support them is to come back and give back,” he said of his return to the Beach House.
Calling all high-rollers, card sharks, and Elvis impersonators to celebrate the annual Beach BBQ fundraiser on August 24! Thanks to our incredible sponsors, this year’s party will leave you feeling fabulous as you bust the buffet and signature cocktails provided by Greater Good Events, bask in a live performance by country star Jimmie Allen, and roll the dice bidding on some exceptional experiences in our live and silent auction! The house may always win in Vegas, but when the Beach House is hosting, the whole community wins! So break out your glitz and glamour, dust off your dancing shoes, and join us for the feel-good event of the season!
CBH Trustee D. Preston Lee, Jr. Receives Lydia Award for Two Decades of Service
As part of the recent Founder’s Day celebration, CBH Board of Trustees President Tom Sheridan presented D. Preston Lee, Jr. with the 2024 Lydia Award, given by the Board of Trustees in recognition of someone who demonstrates the organization’s values in their life’s work, their daily interactions with people, and their professional accomplishments. Lee has been a member of the board of trustees since 2004 and has chaired the trustee property committee for two decades. As an engineer, he co-founded the firm Tatman & Lee Associates and served as a board member, president, and national director for the American Consulting Engineers Council. This year the Delaware Engineering Society named Lee Engineer of the Year.
Here in Lewes, he has overseen major improvements to the Beach House’s bayfront facility, as well as giving back to the community through his work with the Board of Public Works, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Lewes Historical Society. “Pres has demonstrated a deep commitment to the values we hold so dearly,” Sheridan said. “Values of fairness, justice, and equality; community, openness, excellence, and integrity; and the core belief that every individual, every family, and every community have something to offer the common good.”