Delmarva Christian High School to hold scholarship benefit

Every year, Delmarva Christian High School holds a benefit to help raise funds to provide scholarships for students who wish to attend the school but who may not be able to afford the tuition cost.

“My hope would be to raise this money for scholarships for students in need within the Delmarva area,” explained Bob Bennett, executive director for development at the school, “but also make them aware of what we do here at the school, to really know what we do here, and the need for the education we offer.”

During the event, to be held on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m., a plated dinner will be served, students will entertain guests and Michael Reagan, the eldest son of former president Ronald Reagan, will speak.

“In the past, we’ve had Sean Hannity and Ollie North and several other speakers of that magnitude,” said Bennett. “This year we have Michael Reagan.

“The Reagans are like the Kennedys, they crossed over political boundaries. We’re not making any statement,” Bennett emphasized. “Michael has a real heart for what we do. His talk is going to be about what Ronald Reagan would do, and he’s going to take the audience on a journey into the mindset and values of America’s most admired modern president.”

The dinner will be catered by Big Fish Grill, and the menu includes pumpkin crab bisque shooters, along with mushroom crostini, chopped salad, grilled salmon, grilled chicken with lemon and Dijon cream, and Neva’s potatoes.

Bennett added that the school’s choral and performing arts department will be performing for attendees.

“They’ll do some singing, of course, and a little skit,” he said. “Our desire is to keep everybody engaged while they’re here.”

Tickets must be purchased in advance and cost $25 per person, or a table for eight can be reserved for $200.

“Tables are going fast,” said Bennett. “People have been calling in and saying they’ll sponsor a table. It’ll be just a great evening.”

A silent auction will also be held during the evening, featuring numerous items available for bid, including themed baskets and spa packages.

“It’s a really great auction,” said Bennett. “People have been very kind to us. We have a bunch of items coming in — everything from vacations to gift certificates to neat restaurants and golf packages. Everything you can imagine.”

Bennett said that there is a real need for the scholarships that the school offers and that he hopes they will be able to provide students the chance to attend the high school.

“The average current income for Sussex County is $48,000,” said Bennett. “We offer scholarships to our school on a need basis. We have a lot of students who want to go here, and they don’t realize they can. They apply for need-based scholarships, and we just have to raise the money to help supply the funds.”

The school hopes to raise $150,000 to help award need-based scholarships to students looking for a high-quality, faith-based education.

“Of course, we’re faith-based education, but we’re also the top test scores in Sussex County. Our college acceptance rate is top. We don’t like to talk about other schools. We just like to talk about what we do well.”

Bennett added that he hopes many people in the community will attend the event and help raise money for what he believes is a great cause.

“It’s a great cause,” he said. “I have more passion than ever for what I see the school has to offer.”

For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (302) 856-4040 or visit www.delmarvachristian.com.