CenDel Foundation fundraiser set for Aug. 16 in Dover

DOVER — The annual Gourmet Dinner FUN’d Raffle and Reception to benefit the nonprofit CenDel Foundation is Aug. 16 from 6-9 at the home of Tonda and Joseph Parks, also known as “Shortwood Gardens,” 740 Bicentennial Blvd.

The evening will include a gourmet meal catered by BONZ Restaurant & Lounge; two complementary bars with an orange crush station, top-shelf liquors, wines and nonalcoholic options; and the sounds of Top Spin Entertainment, sponsored by The Warren-Fantano Group at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Dover.

There will be a raffle for a private gourmet dinner for eight. Each party ticket includes one entry, with more available for purchase. The prize includes:

• A gourmet meal, featuring wine pairings with each course
• Transportation to and from Shortwood Gardens
• Commemorative photos

Tickets to the Aug. 16 event are $100 per person and may be purchased by visiting cendelfoundation.org and clicking the “Support a Fund” button or by calling 302-724-7538. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

“We are pleased to have the support of many volunteers and sponsors, including Delaware Electric Co-op, Knight’s Fine Jewelry, Dover Federal Credit Union, George & Lynch, Dover Pool & Patio Center, Jim and Vicky Quirk; our dessert sponsors, Darin Dell, Rob Wiest and Shannon and Renee Russo; along with our partners, Collective Group and the Daily State News. Their collective commitment to this event helps offset the cost and enables us to apply the individual ticket investment directly to the bottom line,” said Ms. Parks, the dinner’s founder.

“We hope you will consider sponsoring or purchasing tickets to the event.”

Tammy Ordway, president of the CenDel Foundation, added, “The annual Gourmet Dinner FUN’d drawing event makes a significant impact on our ability to further philanthropy throughout our community. In addition to raising valuable funds, this event brings a tremendous amount of awareness to our partners and fund holders.”

The foundation’s director of operations Tenish Gregory agreed.

“We just found out that our organization ranked among the top three nonprofit civic organizations and nonprofit multicultural organizations, and the Gourmet Dinner FUN’d drawing event was ranked among the top three fundraising events, in the 2024 Stars of Delaware readers’ poll.”

CenDel’s mission is to increase charitable giving in central Delaware, improving the lives of residents in the area. This is accomplished through grant making, the administration of the CenDel Community Building and partnerships with other nonprofits.

Since its founding in 2008, the foundation has distributed more than $3 million in grants and scholarships to address issues like homelessness, health care, hunger, education and access to the arts. The Community Building in downtown Dover also provides nonprofits affordable space to advance their missions.