For years, Bethany Blues has established themselves as one of the most talked-about restaurants in the region. And in upcoming weeks, they will be giving back to the community in a big way.
“We have a number of kids working here who go to Indian River and play sports there,” said the restaurant partner Kevin Roberts. “We were looking to pull together and wanted to help raise money for the school and athletic programs.”
This Friday, Sept. 26, at the Indians’ home football game against Woodbridge, and at upcoming home games, Bethany Blues will be by to offer a selection of menu items at the concessions, raising money and awareness for the football boosters.
Last year, Bethany Blues and other area organizations helped send 10 Indian River students to Reno, Nev., for a conference of the Business Professionals of America (BPA).
“Myself and others were involved in clubs and sports during high school,” Roberts continued, “and we understand the importance of funding these groups.”
The restaurant will bring its trailer, equipped with a genuine smoker, and provide attendants with beef brisket and pulled-pork sandwiches. Indian River’s current concession stand is run by both the football boosters and the school’s band, raising profits for both groups. Proceeds from Bethany Blues’ trailer on Friday, Sept. 26, will benefit the boosters. On Oct. 17, as Indian River faces Lake Forest, Bethany Blues will be back, raising money for the school band, and on Oct. 31, during the game against Seaford, proceeds will go toward scholarship funds and other groups.
“It’s great for both parties,” said Roberts. “It’s helping fund school activities and at the same time, it’s giving our restaurant exposure. The money we make is all going right back into the school. The event may put us out a few hundred bucks, but it feels good when you step back and take in what you’re doing for others.”
Roberts has worked closely with IR’s staff, including Athletic Director Todd Fuhrmann, who also runs the programs at Selbyville Middle School.
“Fundraisers like this really help [the athletic programs] become more involved with the community and businesses,” noted Fuhrmann. “In the past, we have allowed them to have advertising in pamphlets and flyers, but this will open up more possibilities.”
Bethany Blues is looking into doing the same at the middle school’s night football game at the Indian River field, as well as at Indian River’s boys’ varsity soccer event, though details have not yet been finalized.
“It’s great working with Bethany Blues,” said Fuhrmann. “This event will bring awareness to both sides. We haven’t had outside help like this, and it definitely opens a new type of relationship with businesses.”
Roberts noted that this is the first of the restaurant’s several upcoming attempts at making a closer connection with the community.
“Once we get going with something like this,” he said, “we’d like to try something similar with our upcoming Lewes location, working with Cape Henlopen High School.”
Although the idea is still well in its preliminary stages, Roberts has even brainstormed with Indian River officials about bringing a hotel and restaurant management course to the curriculum.
“There’s a lot of stuff we could do to help out the next generation,” he said, “and we are more than willing to help.”