Community rallies around Springtime Gala
The 5th Annual Springtime Gala, presented by Contractors for a Cause at Cripple Creek Country Club two weeks ago, was more than a successful event. It was a triumphant example of a community’s effort to come together. Approximately 170 people turned out for the gala, which raised more than $30,000 in donations, funds and contributions toward the Justin W. Jennings Foundation and Justin’s Beach House, designed to help families who have been affected by serious disease.
Coastal Point • Jesse Pryor
Mackie Banks has control of the megaphone during the 5th Annual Springtime Gala on Friday, June 19.
“It was really a wonderful event,” said Mike Cummings, founder and co-chair committee officer for Contractors for a Cause, “definitely our most successful one yet.”
In the past two years, the Springtime Gala has taken on a luau theme with a casual approach. The Funsters provided live entertainment for the evening, which was topped with live and silent auctions, dedications and a celebrity appearance. Baltimore Ravens fullback Le’Ron McClain, who went All-Pro last year, made an appearance, autographing footballs and presenting Contractors for a Cause with a $10,000 donation.
“He’s quite the gentleman,” said Cummings. “It was really nice to see someone like that getting involved.”
Local families contributed as well. Mackie Banks of Banks Wine and Spirits in Millville gave two checks, each for $5,000, in honor of a family member and friend. The Brosnahan family, which operates Atlantic Elevators, donated the elevator parts and labor for Justin’s Beach House. Dealers Building Supply of Delmarva donated the windows for the house, while another local contractor donated the paint.
“Between those,” Cummings added, “this was the best event we’ve ever had. I can’t say enough about the compassion and generosity of our community in these economic times. To do what their doing shows true heart and dedication.”
The Justin W. Jennings Foundation, created by Jennings’ parents, Craig and Mary Ellen Nantais, in Jennings’ memory, partnered with Contractors for a Cause in 2005, and construction will get under way this autumn. Jennings was diagnosed with brain cancer four weeks prior to leaving for Penn State. He passed away on June 25, 2000, at just 20 years old.
Mary Ellen Nantais was presented with a dedication shovel and a plaque at the gala.
“We’re going break ground on Justin’s Beach House on Justin’s 29th birthday, Sept. 29,” said Cummings. “We’ve got our funds in place, and people can drive down Route 26 and see the location, signs and rendering of the house.” Justin’s Beach House will be located along Atlantic Avenue (Route 26) in Bethany Beach, just southwest of Grotto’s Pizza and DiFebo’s.
“Cripple Creek did a wonderful job hosting the event,” Cummings added, “and the whole committee with Contractors for a Cause has really come together well.”
Chairmen Jim Kyger, Mark Hardt and Andy Lyons, as well as Cummings, are active members of Contractor’s board, as well as committee members for the Justin W. Jennings Foundation. Both Contractors for a Cause and the Justin W. Jennings foundation are 501 (c)3 nonprofit organizations. This year, Contractors for a Cause also awarded scholarships to local high school students who plan on pursuing careers in architecture or engineering.
“It’s amazing to have everyone in the community do what they’ve done,” said Cummings, who just this week returned from a trip to Seattle, Wash., where his daughter and her friends ran a marathon in memory and honor of their high school friend, Elizabeth Shoemaker, who passed away after a struggle with Hodgkins lymphoma in August 2008 at 18. A room in Justin’s Beach House will be dedicated to Shoemaker.
“We’re always looking for donations, volunteers and anything that could help us out,” said Cummings.
For more information about the foundations, visit www.contractorsforacause.org and www.justinjennings.org online. Pick up future issues of the Coastal Point for information on upcoming events for the foundations.
