In Brief

The Sundance Benefit was begun 16 years ago, both as a means of raising money for a community devastated by the early years of the AIDS epidemic and as a celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Murray Archibald and Steve Elkins. This year the couple celebrates their 25th anniversary, and thus the theme of this years’ event is Heartbeat of the Silver Rainbow.

"My Sundance painting for this year," Murray says, "is composed of 25 squares and 25 hearts, each one a different texture and technique. It’s about the passage of time, about how each year of life is different and filled with its own experiences. It’s about how we are loved and how we love others."

Over the years, this annual Labor Day Weekend event has grown into one of the area’s largest fundraisers, with last year’s net of more than $175,000 setting a new Sundance record. All the money raised at Sundance goes to support the work of local organizations. This year, 60% of the money raised will be donated to Sussex County AIDS Committee (SCAC), 30% to CAMP Rehoboth, and the remaining 10% to the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center.

Since its first year, Sundance has relied on a host committee to pay for the event, which allows 100% of the money raised from ticket sales and auction items to go to the benefactors. Over the years, the addition of sponsors, supporters, and an ever-growing host list has made the event a tremendous success.

The first night of Sundance, Saturday, August 30, from 7-10 p.m., is the auction. The evening includes a cocktail buffet by the Blue Moon Restaurant, an open bar, and over 400 auction items in both a live and a silent auction. Auction items include art, furniture, airline tickets, dinners at fine restaurants, weekend getaways, and more. This year’s auction includes furniture from Abizak’s, a Vespa motor scooter, a Bowflex from Leisure Fitness, a hot tub from New Wave Spas, and Murray Archibald’s 2003 Sundance painting Heartbeats, and much more.

The second night of the Sundance weekend, Sunday, August 31, is the dance. Production designer Murray Archibald, and his talented production team will transform the Convention Center into a silver rainbow. Music is by DJ Mark Thomas, doors open at 8:00 p.m., and the ticket price includes an open bar for the entire evening.

Tickets for Sundance 2003 are $40 per night or $60 for both events and are available through CAMP Rehoboth, Lambda Rising Rehoboth, or on the Sundance Web site, www.sundancebenefit.com.

Signed, limited edition prints of this year’s Sundance painting titled Heartbeats by Murray Archibald are available through CAMP Rehoboth for $45. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Sundance 2003. The original will be auctioned in the Sundance live auction on August 30. Prints from preceding Sundances are also available. Sundance t-shirts are available for $20 each. Prints and t-shirts can also be ordered on the Sundance Web site.

For more information about Sundance, to purchase tickets, or to contribute to the auction, call CAMP Rehoboth at 302-227-5620.

Chefs’ Brunch Helps Meals on Wheels

The list of sponsors throwing their support behind the Meals on Wheels Delaware inaugural Celebrity Chefs’ Beach Brunch, continues to grow. Slated for Sunday, October 5, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in the Atlantic Sands Hotel, Rehoboth Beach, there are five sponsorship levels available, and individual tickets on sale for $75, $55 of which is tax deductible.

Sixteen chefs from some of the area’s finest restaurants will be serving up signature dishes during the brunch. A variety of libations will be offered and a silent auction will feature a number of trips, dinners, goods and services.

The Honorary Chefs Committee includes Peter Antolini who is retired from the hospitality industry; Kelly Dunn Gelof, Esq., Tunnell & Raysor, P.A.; Gene and Mary Burt Lankford, Atlantic Sands; William Swain Lee, Bifferato, Bifferato and Gentilotti, P.A.; Daniel Quirk, National Aging State Union Association; and Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf.