CenDel Foundation raises over $65K with dinner fundraiser in Dover

DOVER — The CenDel Foundation held its Gourmet Dinner FUN’d Raffle and Reception at the home of Joe and Tonda Parks on Friday, raising over $65,000 for its mission.

Visitors paid $100 to attend and be entered into a drawing for a gourmet dinner, with wines and liquors, for up to eight people. Personalized invitations, commemorative photos and transportation were included, as well.

Doug Yorke won the drawing this year but donated the dinner back, so it could be auctioned off. Auction winners Mike and Donna Harrington, Brian and Kathy Lessard, and Mary Jane and Bill Willis will be having their winning gathering Nov. 16.

The CenDel Foundation was developed by a collection of Kent County entrepreneurs and came to fruition in 2008. At that time, it was led by Jennings Hastings under the name Greater Dover Foundation.

“The idea of it was Kent County, helping Kent Countians. And how do we do it?” Mr. Hastings said Friday. “We do it through funds and grants covering central Delaware, the funds that we cover for scholarships, for the arts, Community Impact (Fund) grants, conserving land and forest, housing, support for the underprivileged. And that’s just to name a few of the things that are supported by the CenDel Foundation.”

Some who have benefited from such efforts are the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, the Milford Housing Development Corp., Read Aloud Delaware, the Inner City Cultural League and more.

CenDel also owns a building at 101 W. Loockerman St. in downtown Dover, which it rents to nonprofits at below-market rates.

According to the foundation’s website, it has dispersed over $3 million in grants to causes all over the region.

Those interested in supporting can call 302-724-7538 or email tenish@cendelfoundation.org. Information is also available at cendelfoundation.org or its Facebook page .

Contributions to the group’s “March to 100” fund can be as little as $2.73 per day.