Home - Village Improvement Association of Rehoboth Beach

VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION KICKS-OFF CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

TO EXPAND ITS CLUBHOUSE

The Village Improvement Association (VIA), a charitable, non-profit organization, announced a $250,000 Capital Campaign to expand their Clubhouse at the Boardwalk and Grenoble Place. “We are excited about this,” said Campaign Committee Chair Theda Blackwelder. “Where many charitable volunteer organizations are losing members, we are increasing ours steadily and have just outgrown our space!”

The little Clubhouse nestled behind the dunes, was built in 1926 at the cost of $2,644.88. At that time, VIA membership was small, the women fit comfortably in their new surroundings and held meetings, art classes and shows. Today VIA has 220 active members and that number is steadily growing. Although the building was expanded after the devastating Nor'easter of 1962, today the Clubhouse cannot accommodate various functions and many fundraising efforts are severely curtailed by the lack of space. There is just not enough room.

Since its founding in 1909, the VIA mission was, and continues to be, the promotion of interests, improvements and progress of the Rehoboth Beach community and to perform charitable and civic work in and around the Rehoboth Beach area. During 1912, the VIA joined the fledgling Delaware State Federation of Women's Clubs (DSFWC). In 1923, VIA became part of the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC) whose members are women of diverse interests, talents and backgrounds and are united by a dedication to community improvement through volunteer service. TheVillage Improvement Association historically has remained a strong supporter of both DSFWC and GFWC .

Expansion feasibility studies headed by VIA Vice President Carolyn Billingsley considered the size of the meeting room as well as updating the kitchen. With VIA's desirable beach location, more people are seeking the VIA building for their weddings, receptions and parties. The current kitchen often does not meet catering needs.

During the planning sessions, everything was considered...from researching the official historic status of the building, working with the State Fire Marshall to consulting with builders and, important to Billingsley, considering the ability to build as “green” as possible.

In many building circles, $250,000 would not seem a large amount. The women who, for 102 years, have raised money with bake sales, high teas and other events, felt they could not bake that many cookies. They are seeking funding from foundations, corporations, members, city, county and state officials and the generous donations of individuals to meet their goal. The Village Improvement Association is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and all donations are tax-deductible.

Over $75,000 has been raised and various fundraising events are planned. DNREC granted $35,000 and of that $25,000 is specifically for solar panels and $10,000 is to be used for other “green” energy efficiency needs. Grant requests are currently being written and a few generous anonymous gifts have been donated to this worthwhile cause, however, there is still a long way to go before the VIA members are secure in being financially comfortable to be “shovel-ready”.

With this proposed expansion, the members are hoping to take their charitable giving to a new level. Some of the organizations who receive grants from the VIA are the Rehoboth Beach Library, the YMCA, Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program, Stockley Center, Read Aloud, Cape Henlopen Citizenship Award, The Beebe School of Nursing Scholarships and many others. The VIA members have made it quite clear that none of the charities they support financially will suffer in their quest for expansion funds.

The dedicated members of the Village Improvement Association are seeking funds to meet their goal of raising $250,000 for the expansion of their Clubhouse. Those interested in helping, donating or who wish additional information may contact Theda Blackwelder 945-2775.