September signals the start of the social season for coastal residents, and among the eagerly anticipated fundraisers and galas is the return of an old favorite, the Beaux Arts Ball, which benefits the 75-year-old Rehoboth Art League. (More below.)
Put these events on your social calendar.
Arts By The Sea Party (photo above)
Saturday, Sept. 7, beginning at 6 p.m., Bayside Resort Golf Club, Selbyville
Backstory: The fundraiser benefits the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, which operates The Freeman Stage and supports art education.
X Factor: A must-do for the Bethany and Fenwick social butterflies, the event will feature live and silent auctions, a live band, open bar and culinary delights. Come casually dressed to impress. “This is not a suit-and-tie-type event,” says Doug Phillips, who handles marketing for the foundation. (Some guests will come straight from the golf tournament, scheduled at the club on the same day.)
Tickets: $150, 436-3015, freemanstage.org
Blue Jean Ball
Saturday, Sept. 21, beginning at 6 p.m., Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, Rehoboth Beach
Backstory: A benefit for Autism Delaware, this southern Delaware favorite moved to the convention center this year to accommodate the crowd. Wear “blue jeans and bling.”
X Factor: Love Seed Mama Jump will again provide the musical entertainment. There are live and silent auctions, specialty cocktails, beer and local food.
Tickets: $85 until Sept. 13; $100 Sept. 14-20 644-3410, delautism.org/GroupsEvents/BlueJeanBall.aspx
Beaux Arts Ball
Saturday, Sept. 21, beginning at 7 p.m., Belle Mead Farm, Rehoboth Beach
Backstory: The Rehoboth Art League is celebrating 75 years by reviving the masked ball that RAL founder Louise Chamber Corkran started in 1939.
X Factor: Expect some wild costumes. Past guests dressed as a chain gang from Alcatraz; a herd of elephants; and Washington’s troops, who “crossed the Delaware” (the dance floor) in a rowboat on wheels. This year’s theme:“It’s All About Art!” Evening attire is acceptable. Signature cocktails will start the evening and signature coffees will end it. Three caterers will provide the food.
Tickets: $200, 227-8408, rehobothartleague.org
Celebrity Chefs’ Beach Brunch
Sunday, Oct. 6, beginning at 11 a.m., Rusty Rudder, Dewey Beach
Backstory: A sequel to the popular Meals from the Masters in Wilmington, this event is more low-key but equally “tasteful.”
X Factor: Attendees can sample some of the best cuisine along the coast—and that’s saying something—in one place. This year, a(MUSE.), Eden, Abbott’s Grill and Nage are just a few of the participating restaurants.
Tickets: $75, 656-3257, mealsonwheelsde.org/events/celebrity-chefs-beach-brunch
Beebe Ball
Saturday, Nov. 2, beginning at 6 p.m., Rehoboth Convention Center
Backstory: This is the 26th event, which each year benefits a different area of Beebe Medical Center.
X Factor: The theme for this year’s black tie-optional ball is “The Greatest Ball on Earth.” Big City Band will provide the tunes, while businesses and individuals will decorate tables, so each one is unique.
Tickets: $200, 644-2900, beebefoundation.org/events
Holiday Art Show & Sale Reception
Friday, Dec. 6, beginning at 6 p.m., Children’s Beach House, Lewes
Backstory: The reception is part of the art sale (Dec. 6-8) that benefits Children’s Beach House, founded in 1937 by Lydia Chichester du Pont to serve children with special needs.
X Factor: The event includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, valet parking and entertainment. You can purchase art at the reception.
Tickets: 645-9184, cbhinc.org
