News

Beebe Medical Foundation Thanksgiving Ball Sold Out

10/12/04

New Residents Becoming Volunteers, Making Impact with Experience and Dedication

Beebe Medical Foundation’s 17th Annual Thanksgiving Ball, which will be held on Saturday, November 6, at the Baycenter at Ruddertowne in Dewey Beach, is a sold out event. Beebe credits this early overwhelming response to the success of its dedicated volunteers who have worked behind the scenes for months to ensure a successful fundraising event. With dozens of volunteers working on committees ranging from corporate sponsorships and silent auction, to publicity, decorations and raffle, the event is truly a committed team effort from start to finish.

"Without the continued support from our volunteers, we would never be able to achieve the continued level of success at this and other Beebe events," commented Michael Clemmer, Executive Director, Beebe Medical Foundation. "The people serving on these committees really form the backbone of our Foundation, and the time and effort they tirelessly donate is truly a gift of service for the whole community."

Each year, new recruits join volunteers, such as Lacy Letonoff of PNC Bank who chairs the Corporate Sponsorship committee, a newly formed entity. "I've worked in the finance industry for over 30 years and when I heard about this committee, I knew it would be a perfect niche for me," said Letonoff. "Our objective is to ensure that maximum net proceeds from the event benefit an important goal of the Foundation, namely, Beebe Medical Center's Vision 2005 Capital Campaign, and specifically, the renovation and expansion of the Emergency Department. I'm thrilled to be a part of this team effort."

Similarly, Kathleen Schell joined the Publicity Committee for this year's Thanksgiving Ball. "I moved here from California last year and Christine Strauss (previous Chair of the Beebe 'Best of the Beach' Art Auction) encouraged me to get involved with the hospital's fundraising activities," remarked Schell. "Since my work experience has revolved around marketing and public relations for the past nine years, joining the Publicity Committee has been a great fit for my skills. Together with the other volunteers, I think it is absolutely imperative to support our community medical center."

Kathleen Leahy, Co-Chair of the Raffle Committee, moved to the beach full-time from Wilmington last year where she volunteered for over twenty years at the Emmanuel Dining Room, an area soup kitchen. "As our community continues to expand and grow, it's important that our local hospital is supported. I greatly enjoyed my volunteer work in Wilmington and felt I could transfer those efforts to benefit the Foundation and the hospital."

A new member of the Silent Auction Display Committee, Jackie Rifenbergh echoes Leahy's statements. "I had been on the Board of the Local Arts Council and joined the Board of Coastal Concerts when I moved to the area. However, after attending the Beebe Art Auction this past spring, I also wanted to get involved with the hospital's fundraising activities," commented Rifenbergh. "I have always been impressed with the Beebe complex and the hospital's services, and I'm delighted to support this organization."

Charlotte DiFebo and her husband have lived and worked in Bethany Beach since 1989. A member of the Silent Auction committee, Charlotte wanted to start supporting the hospital after her family needed Emergency Room services on three separate occasions during a four-month period. She previously raised money and donations for the families of 9/11 victims, and wanted to get involved in volunteering locally.

For more information about other Beebe annual events, and opportunities in underwriting, sponsorships and volunteering, please contact Mike Clemmer at the Foundation office at 644-2900, or by email at mclemmer@bbmc.org.