Who We Are
The Dewey Beach Lions Club was founded March 16, 1951. The Club was sponsored by the Rehoboth Beach Lions Club. Our Club, much like the town we reside in, has a very colorful past. For many years the Dewey Beach Lions Club helped a local squatter by the name of Johnnie Waples. John was a local character of Dewey Beach. During the summer he rented boats in the Rehoboth Bay while in the winter he was employed by the State of Delaware tracking tides. When John became ill, many of the members took care of him on a daily basis, ensuring that John received medical care, food and other items.
After John's passing, his parcel was passed to the Lions through his will with the stipulation that the Dewey Beach Lions Club always maintain a playground for the children. Many fundraisers have taken place over the years to pay for and maintain the playground. Some of these include regular events such Barbecue Dinners, Clam Bakes and Oyster Eats as well as wrestling matches, horse shows and light bulb sales.
Our annual Operation Santa began in the 1950's and at that time was held at The Bottle & Cork. This event regularly saw two to three hundred local children who would each receive dinner as well as gifts from Santa. Today this remains a major event for the Dewey Beach Lions Club. Each year a list of local needy children is compiled and the Lions spend an evening shopping for gifts. Later, Lions and their wives gather to sort and wrap the gifts for the children. These are then distributed through the the local schools. Last year the Dewey Beach Lions Club donated over $5,000 in gifts to needy children in our area.
In 2006, the Dewey Beach Lions Club held the First Annual 5k Run for Sight. This event hosted over 200 runners, with the procedes being donated to the many sight charities we support annually. These include Lions Sightfirst II, DE Valley Eye Bank, DE Association of the Blind, DE Lions Preschool Vision, Leader Dog for the Blind as well as supporting local individuals in need of eye exams, glasses and other vision aide devices. Last year we donated over $27,000 to these sight charities. For more information about this year's event, please go to Run for Sight
In 2006 the Dewey Beach Lions club became the top sponsor of the Buddy Walk. This event was founded by one our our own members, Dennis Diehl. This event serves to help families who have children with Downes Syndrome. This weekend event in October culminates with a walk of support on the Boards of Rehoboth Beach. For more information please go to Buddy Walk
On May 22, 2009 the DBLC held the first annual Lewes Harbor Flounder Tournament. With over 275 anglers registering, this event was a huge success. This event helps us to raise funds for local youth fishing events like Camp Awareness run by the Delaware Fish & Wildlife. To view more information about the Delaware Fish & Wildlife programs, click here.
Dewey Beach Lions Club, Inc.
Club History, Part 1
Club History, Part 2
