The 6th annual “Democrats vs. Republicans” volleyball match to raise awareness and dollars for Easter Seals services for people with disabilities will take place at the CAI / Easter Seals Volleyball Challenge on Saturday, March 19th, at the University of Delaware’s Carpenter Sports Building off North College Avenue, in Newark (not “the Bob!”). The games will begin immediately after the opening ceremony, which begins at 8:40 a.m. With the Republicans leading on the court 3 years to 2, it promises to be the most exciting match ever!
Expected guests include: Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, Congressman John Carney, Governor Jack Markell, Lt. Governor Matt Denn, Attorney General Beau Biden, Democrat Team Co-captains, State Reps. Valerie Longhurst and Pete Schwartzkopf, and Republican Team Captain, Rep. Greg Lavelle. Others scheduled to participate (as of 3/14) include: Reps. John Viola, Quinn Johnson, Earl Jaques, Mike Mulrooney, and Darryl Scott, New Castle County Executive President Paul Clark, for the Democrats. In addition to Rep. Lavelle, Reps. Mike Ramone, Sen. Colin Bonini, New Castle County Council President Tom Kovach, former State Rep. Charlie Copeland and former Deputy U.S. Attorney, Ferris Wharton will play for the Republicans.
The Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders will be on hand to cheer on the teams. Radio stations WSTW/WDEL, one of the event’s sponsors, will broadcast live Saturday morning.
Now in its 30th year, the Volleyball Challenge raises funds to help Easter Seals Delaware and Maryland ’s Eastern Shore provide critically needed services for children and adults with disabilities. Title sponsor, CAI, a leading information technology consulting and outsourcing organization, is teaming up with Easter Seals for the seventh year. Last year, the Volleyball Challenge raised more than $285,000 for Easter Seals services. Since 2001, more than $2.5 million has been raised for Easter Seals through the Volleyball Challenge.
Approximately 200 teams will play at the event which spans a three-day period from Friday evening, March 19, through Sunday, March 21. Teams consist of 6 to 10 players who play in a 90-minute rotation. Prizes will be awarded for the top individual and team fundraising efforts. For more information call Beth Elswick at 302-324-4444x2066.
Easter Seals offers a range of services, including outpatient rehabilitation therapy, early intervention services for children, day services for adults with physical disabilities and cognitive disabilities and assistive technology services to increase the functional capabilities of people with disabilities. For more information about Easter Seals, call 800-677-3800 or visit www.de.easterseals.com.