The fifth annual “Democrats vs. Republicans” volleyball match to raise dollars for Easter Seals services for people with disabilities will take place this weekend at the University of Delaware.
The CAI/Easter Seals Volleyball Challenge is scheduled for 8:40 a.m. Saturday, March 20 at the Carpenter Sports Building off North College Avenue (not the Bob, on South College Avenue).
The co-captains for the Democrats are U.S. Senator Tom Carper, Gov. Jack Markell, Lt. Gov. Matt Denn and State Reps. Valerie Longhurst and Pete Schwartzkopf. Leading the Republicans are Congressman Mike Castle and State Rep. Greg Lavelle (captain).
Others scheduled to participate include Reps. Mike Mulrooney, John Viola, Quinn Johnson and Darryl Scott, New Castle County Council President Paul Clark and former Lt. Gov. John Carney for the Democrats. Reps. Mike Ramone, Tom Kovach, and Debbie Hudson, Sen. Colin Bonini, former Deputy U.S. Attorney Ferris Wharton and Newark City Councilman Paul Pomeroy will play for the Republicans.
The Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders will be on hand to cheer on the teams. Radio stations WSTW and WDEL, among the sponsors, will broadcast live from the event on Saturday morning.
Now in its 29th 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 sixth year.
Last year, the Volleyball Challenge raised more than $285,000 for Easter Seals services. In the past nine years, more than $2.1 million has been raised through the Volleyball Challenge.
Approximately 200 teams will play at the event, which spans a three-day period from Friday, March 19, through Sunday, March 21. Teams consist of six 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 about the challenge, call Beth Elswick at 302-324-4444, ext. 2066.
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.
