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This month the Gabby Guy finds the Brandywine Town Center ringing the bell for a very important cause and learns why the 21st Best of Delaware is all grown up now.
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Rockin’ the Robin for Ronald
Former pro boxer and self proclaimed “professional volunteer” Dave Tiberi certainly threw a knockout punch when he organized what is intended to be an annual super-sized benefit for Ronald McDonald House of Delaware, which rocked the Brandywine Town Center. Red Robin restaurateur Craig Colby offered up his high-energy eatery as entertainment epicenter for the entire eight hours of fun—on top of donating 20 percent of the day’s sales to Ronald McDonald House.
While the Red Robin’s gracious and enthusiastic staff were raising funds—and a joyful ruckus—the quieter silent auction items and volunteers did their part in the three-story, glass-domed atrium. Heavy-hitting auction items included the signed Jamie Wyeth “Pride” print, a signed copy of Tiberi’s bio-book and, of course, several groups of four Eagles tix—on the 44 yard line—according to friendly volunteer Ruth Fulmer.
We tried on boxing gloves signed by Oscar De La “Lovely” Hoya and Shane “Sugar” Mosley. The boxing vibe was well represented thanks to Dave’s inner ring connex. How about a round or two for Ronald next year?
Other physical fitness activities included a demonstration of Kobu Power, a Samurai-inspired cardio-kickboxing workout with a weighted bar and pumpin’ music. The demo was by instructors of Mahato Karate Studio and their sensei, Michael Graves, a seventh-degree black belt and National USA Olympic karate team coach. Thank you, Michael, for the explanation. It makes sensei to me.
Having worked up a Kobu Power-ful thirst, we hopped the lot for a respite of Red Robin root beer. Whistle whetted, we were welcomed by the “Worst Show Ever,” or bad songs played well by students from the School of Rock. Think “Girl You Know It’s True” or “Achy Breaky Heart,” instructor Chris Gordon explained. Carol Forsyth, manager of the School of Rock, made sure to plug its Rolling Stones tribute show and performances at the Dewey Beach Music Conference last month. (Carol’s two teens, Scott and Melissa, attend the school. Very cool.)
County executive Chris Coons and New Castle County Chief of Police Rick Gregory stopped by the big burger booth to chat and chew. It was a noble effort—they’d already been to three county parks and still had two more stops as part of National Night Out. The Colonel and Chris did not leave before Mr. Coons gave us: “Ronald McDonald House is one of Delaware’s best, they do an effective and compassionate job meeting families’ real needs at a most critical time.”
County Councilman Robert S. Weiner walked us outside and around the center’s pond, pointing out the eventual sites for his proposed “more pedestrian friendly” walk-run path, playground and fitness course. “We had to fight to change a bunch of pesky deed restrictions, but we did it,” Weiner (rhymes with finer) said proudly.
We hopped the pond to arrive at the center’s community building just in time to catch Delebrity hair stylist J. Christian’s one man rock ’n’ roll hair show.
J. “an old, ex-big hair rocker” of the band Crystal Image, took center stage, rocking the heads of spectators and of white, pink and blue fairies in expertly blended, absolutely bedazzling fantasy makeup, created by J’s in-house artist, Dita Watson. Good job, my dear. DJ Passable Plastic spun the tunes.
We also spied several women taking a peek under their makeup. They used Terri Hartle Kerner and Via Medical Day Spa’s magic mirror box to see the damaging effects of prolonged sun exposure. Terri’s model demonstrated impressive before and incredible after results of her zippy-zappy-you’ll-be-happy laser treatments. Clearly effective.
The parking lot was filled with an eclectic mix of vintage autos, with T-Birds and Mustangs lined up neatly for all to admire. Among them: the premiere showing of a 1966 Lincoln owned by Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins, who stayed busy executing autographs on T-shirts, programs, and boxing gloves.
All money raised helped Ronald McDonald House families with travel expenses, according to Pam Cornforth, executive director of Ronald McDonald House. The six weeks that it took Dave, Craig and crew to pull off the event “makes them the real champs.” Ding, ding, ding.
Page 3: A Bigger, Better Best
