The Sussex County Association of Realtors’ Sussex Strong board of directors voted unanimously on April 9 to buy $1,400 worth of gift cards from the 14 restaurants that donated food to their annual gala in 2019.
The gift cards were donated to Beebe Healthcare for the #CrushCorona #ThankYouBeebe initiative started on April 1 by Kathleen Schell and Justin Healy of Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty.
“We all felt strongly that we wanted to do something now to help our community as we fight this pandemic together,” said Robb Kimbles, board president. “We are so grateful for the support of our local community, the restaurants who provide wonderful food and drinks every year, year after year. This is our big annual fundraiser; we raise anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000 every year, and that money goes directly back to our community in many ways.”
The primary benefit for the money raised is in December when Realtors shop for items to help Sussex County children in need. In all, 90 percent of items are necessities such as clothing, shoes and toiletries, plus one toy to bring a smile to their faces on Christmas morning.
This year’s need could be even greater. Organizers are still unsure if they will be able to hold the annual gala this fall, but in the meantime they all wanted to give back right away to support area restaurants and local healthcare heroes. Four gift cards from each of the following restaurants are being purchased: 1776 Steakhouse, Blue Moon, Fins Fish House & Raw Bar, Harvest Tide Steakhouse, The Fork & Flask at Nage, Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant, Jimmy’s Grille Catering, Lefty’s Alley & Eats, Salted Rim, Clubhouse at Baywood, The Pig & Publican, Victoria’s, Food by Design, and Pasqualini’s.