This Memorial Day weekend, a local family will once again reach out to touch the lives of hundreds of people as they prepare to give back, nationwide.
On Sunday, May 27, the Kappes family, which owns Beach Liquors along Coastal Highway in Bethany Beach, will present their 2nd Annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction at the Bayside Golf Resort on Route 54 in Fenwick Island from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Funds from the event are raised for the Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation, a nonprofit organization that started February 2006 to provide financial assistance to families of critically ill children during extended hospitalization.
On Jan. 30, 2006, a congenital heart defect took the life of 10-week-old Ryan Scott Kappes, son of Karie and Scott Kappes.
“Scott and Karie were at the hospital every day and every night,” noted Scott’s brother, Mike Kappes. “Scott had to miss work for over 10 weeks. Most of the family was there a substantial amount, too.”
Time spent at the hospital took its toll, draining the family physically, emotionally and financially.
“We realized a lot of kids were there by themselves,” added Mike Kappes, “much more than 50 percent, and the only reason they were by themselves is because their parents couldn’t afford to miss work. It’s as bad on the parent as it is on the child when they can’t be there.”
The Kappes’ sympathized with these other families, and the foundation was created in an effort to help them.
Roughly $140,000 has been raised to date, since the foundation began.
The foundation, which is backed by three U.S. state representatives, including Delaware Congressman Mike Castle, donated $25,000 to the Moore’s Partnership for Children, and they recently sponsored a room in the Wilmington Ronald McDonald House, which has assisted with numerous families already. Since January 2007, donations have been made in support of six families who have experienced similar situations what Scott and Karie Kappes went through.
Since the foundation turned to aiding families, grants have been awarded to qualified families, assisting with travel, lodging and living expenses.
“Rent is probably one of the biggest things families can ask for,” said Scott Kappes. “When parents are at the hospital all the time, they aren’t working at all. We had it easy compared to a lot of families out there.”
“People request a specific amount,” said Mike Kappes, “and I was surprised with how modest they have been. Everyone is only asking for exactly what they need, and no more.”
More and more requests have come in, however, and the Kappes’ are answering back, sending monetary donations to families in Delaware, northern Virginia, and even Missouri. The organization has touched the lives of patients in numerous hospitals, including A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital and the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
“We started initially helping cardiac families, since Ryan’s condition was cardiac-related,” said Scott Kappes. With cardiac conditions, lengthy hospitalizations typically ensue. “Then we decided it would make more sense to help anyone who needed it, so we try to do that.”
Next weekend’s wine tasting will be the foundation’s fourth fundraiser, following the 1st Annual Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation Golf Tournament that took place last Sept. 25 at Mount Vernon Country Club in Alexandria, Va.
The organization has also held a happy-hour event last summer in Washington, D.C. and another wine tasting and silent auction — the foundation’s very first fundraiser — almost a year ago, to the day. Part of the proceeds from the Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation’s golf tournament in June 2006 also went to the Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation.
With an impressive turnout at last year’s wine tasting event, the Kappes family anticipates an even larger group this year.
“We had to turn nearly 100 people away last year because we sold out,” said Mike Kappes, “but this year, we planned accordingly. We’ve doubled the space and we’re going to have more and better wines.” Tickets cost $50, and those interested are encouraged to make purchases in advance.
“This year’s event is special because of some of the wines that we are tasting,” said Scott. “There are some very high-end wines — some that go for $400 and $500 a bottle.” More than 50 wines will be featured, including Joseph Phelps Insignia, Opus One and Chateau Latour.
“We’ll have the whole spectrum there,” added Mike Kappes. “There’s going to be something that everybody will enjoy.”
A three-piece jazz band will provide live entertainment, while the silent auction will offer many items, including pieces from local artists and a week’s stay at an oceanfront property.
Donations for the auction are still being accepted. The organization is a 501c3 foundation, qualifying contributions as a tax-exempt.
“Everything that we make goes right to the foundation,” said Scott Kappes. “All of the work comes from volunteers.”
“We’ve tried to make the very best of a difficult situation,” he added. “It means a lot to have so much support from everyone around us.”
To make a donation or to purchase tickets, call Mike Kappes at (302) 228-9910, Jerry Kappes, father of Mike and Scott Kappes, at (302) 228-8793 or Beach Liquors in Bethany Beach at (302) 539-7400. For more information, visit the Web site at www.ryanscottkappesfoundation.org.