Chesterwye Foundation Plans Annual Event

Grasonville, MD – The fundraising committee at the Chesterwye Foundation has been busy preparing for their annual fundraiser supporting the Chesterwye Center.

Planning Committee Co-Chairs, Wheeler Baker and Kathy Dubel, have led a team of volunteers bringing new ideas and life to this year’s event. Changes include the addition of an open bar, a new dinner menu, addition of a DJ and dancing. The event will be hosted at the Silver Swan Bayside, located on the Chesapeake Bay on Kent Island.

The event will also feature a live auction, silent auction, a series of fun 50/50 raffles, as well as the return of the “Gift Card Gamble” and the famous walnut cake. "There will be something fun for everyone who attends." shared Kathy Dubel, co-chair of the event. Donated items are now being sought for the live and silent auction.

The theme of the evening is "Thank Our Lucky Stars" and will honor the "stars" of the Chesterwye Center - their supporters, donors, sponsors, support professionals, and the clients they serve.

This event has been a tradition in the community since 1978. It was the inspiration of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ewing, Jr., then owners of the famous “Holly’s Restaurant”, and was first held at the Kent Island Yacht Club. 
Mrs. Florence Howard brought her famous walnut cake to the first auction. This was the most successful of the original fundraisers and has become an annual event along with the walnut cake. The walnut cake tradition has been carried on by first Olamae South, by Aline Koske, and now by Kathy Dubel.

All funds raised by this year’s event will support the replacement of one of the Center’s residential homes, the Ringgold House. The home is in critical need of replacement due to its condition. It will be expanded from 3 bedrooms to 4, re-designed for open floorplan living, add wheelchair accessible bathrooms, and include front / rear entrances. The home will also be more energy efficient than the original.

For information about the event, how to purchase event tickets or sponsorship, or to learn more about the Chesterwye Center and Foundation, visit www.chesterwye.org or call 410-827-7048 x 302.  

The Chesterwye Center, Inc. has been serving individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Queen Anne’s County since 1967. The organization assists individuals in pursuing community employment, independent living, and meaningful relationships in their community.