13,800 Meals Raised for COVID-19 KIDS Hunger Relief

Over the past two years, The Delaware KIDS Fund has funded two school food pantries in partnership with the Food Bank of Delaware (Richey Elementary and Richardson Park Elementary). When schools were ordered to close in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic access to these pantries became impractical. Furthermore, the need to access food became greater and thousands of Delaware families were forced to quickly adapt in this new climate. We reached out to the Food Bank, listened to their needs and realized there was an opportunity to help.. Simultaneously, the Movies on Tap organizers were identifying ways they could raise funds in a safe and healthy format for the community during this extraordinary time. Movies on Tap is a local fundraising series collaboration between local craft breweries, local non-profits while celebrating classic movies on the big screen. Due to social distancing regulations, the series was put on a brief hiatus with the routine venue temporarily closed (Penn Cinema). Together we agreed to raise COVID-19 response funds for local at-risk children.

On Saturday, April 25 Movies on Tap held their first ever virtual Netflix Watch Party. Nearly 80 donors enjoyed Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark from the comfort and safety of their own home. By the end of the evening, $4,600 was raised. The Food Bank of Delaware has already turned 100% of those donations into 13,800 Backpack program meals for KIDS across the state! As a reference, with the Food Bank’s purchasing power, they can help provide 3 meals for every $1 raised. The virtual fundraising effort would also not be possible without the support of Spur Impact allowing us to utilize their local crowdfunding web platform at DEGives.org. This software added to the interactive/virtual spirit of our fundraiser.

The Delaware KIDS Fund would like to thank Movies on Tap for coordinating, Bellefonte Brewery for offering beer discounts to donors (21 and over) and most importantly all of the donors who turned this evening into a success! We loved seeing your participation online. Here are some of the highlights from the Movies on Tap Facebook Page.

Social Media Trivia Winner Bill Johnson won a Bellefonte growler to enjoy during the movie!
Mike Smith responded to the SOS donating to help us reach 3,000 meals. Mike enjoyed a fresh batch of Bellefonte brew as well!

8th Annual Delaware KIDS Fund 5K Series in Newport and Dewey Beach

The Delaware KIDS Fund continued the tradition of its longstanding summer fundraising event by hosting the 8th Annual Delaware KIDS Fund 5K Series in Newport and Dewey Beach

Both events helped raise $44,000 and feature over 637 registered runners and walkers (510 finishers), 50 + corporate sponsors, 21 volunteers and 20 emergency responders.

Richey Elementary School

Another inspiring morning at The Delaware KIDS Fund and Harvey, Hanna & Associates, Inc.. We had the pleasure of supporting amazing young minds from Mrs. Nicole Johnson’s (Mrs. J!) Kindergarten and First grade class at Newport’s Richey Elementary School. Our group was fortunate enough to pitch in (along with other local businesses) for the purchase of new iPads to help reinforce the learning experiences and engaging these amazing students who are kinesethic, visual, and/or auditory learners. The BEST PART, we had the chance to meet the kiddos today and watch them work their iPads. Support your community and support our next generation. If everyone pitches in and works together – the community we live, work and play in – will continue to be a powerful (and safe) place in the future.

KIDS Fund Family Holiday Experience

The Delaware KIDS Fund worked with local agencies during the 2016 Holiday Season selecting four local, deserving families in need by providing Christmas gift for the children, financial assistance for the parents and a holiday meal for the entire family to enjoy. Working with partner agencies (Child, Inc., Lutheran Community Services and The Delaware Army National Guard) – the DE KIDS Fund was able to identify local families in need. The campaign was designed to inspire confidence and provide temporary relief for the Holiday Season. $11,700 of goods, services and gifts were provided in total.