It’s not every day you get the opportunity to change an 18-year-old kid’s life forever, but that’s exactly what the Delaware Foundation Reaching Citizens does every June. And not just one kid, but dozens from every high school in Delaware are invited to participate in the heart-warming experience that is the Blue-Gold Game.
Each year, DFRC “buddies” (children with intellectual disabilities) are teamed up with one of the high school students and they participate in several events and practices leading up to the game. Through these events, the high school students bond with their buddies, often forming long-lasting friendships.
The Blue-Gold Bash: The Celebration of the Season
The Hockessin Athletic Club is the proud sponsor and host of this year’s Blue-Gold Bash on Saturday, November 3rd, which will replace the once Delaware-famous Holidazzle. This event will be one of the largest fundraisers the DFRC does all year to help support the game.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Holidazzle, once-upon-a-time it was an exclusive event that featured a 90-person fashion show, the who’s who of the Philadelphia Phillies, Eagles, and Flyers, and garnered a pretty penny for the limited seating at the beautiful Longwood Gardens. It was THE black-tie event of the year in Delaware.
While over the years the Holidazzle saw progressively less support, the Carpenter family didn’t want to give up. Bob Carpenter brought the Holidazzle here to HAC for the last two years, and we tested the Blue-Gold Bash with a beach theme last year that was hugely successful.
This year, we’re focusing the Bash on the game because it’s the game that matters. It’s the game that gives young children intellectual disabilities the ABILITY to change our youth’s lives for the better. It’s the game that brings our Delaware community together to celebrate differences (scroll down for details on how you can share your Blue-Gold memories and celebrate your buddies for this year’s event).
Help us celebrate this worthy organization and the lasting memories the Blue-Gold Game generates with a celebration to bring everyone together in the “off-season.” Check out all the fun the event has to offer:
Silent Auction & Raffle Items
From wine racks and paddle boards to game tickets and gift certificates, the event boasts a large silent auction as well as raffle items for which you can purchase tickets to drop in the bags of your choice.
Balloon Pop
We’ll have buddies around selling tickets for the ever-popular balloon pop. Get one of a limited number of tickets to get a chance at winning the grand balloon prize!
Cocktails & Local Food
Take a chance on the signature cocktail and sample food from the many local vendors.
DFRC Artist Paintings
We’ll have one-of-a-kind paintings and mixed media art for purchase as well! This and so much more is in store this year.
Save the Date
Be sure to block off Saturday, November 3rd in your calendars to join us in support of the DFRC and the wonderful community it fosters and supports.
We’re currently looking for pairs of buddies and participants who would be willing to share their stories and photos. To share yours, please join our DFRC Blue-Gold Game Alumni Facebook group, or send your photos and stories to Lisa Maguire at lmaguire@hachealthclub.com.
To get involved and/or become a sponsor of this year’s Blue-Gold Bash, please contact Sandy Merritt at smerritt@dfrc.org.
