Concert for the Kids raises funds for young musicians

Members of the Southern Delaware School of the Arts rock band perform “Blue Suede Shoes.” Shown are (l-r) Leeland Harne, Jayce Brittingham, Kyra Mann, Garett Briggs, Braydon Farrington, Elijah Byers, Luke O'Boyle, Dylan Cadeza, McKenna Newmann, Haylie Hudson, Aria O'Day and Ryan Haggenbottom. DAN COOK PHOTOS

Dan Cook

April 19, 2025

Paul Kares held its 4th Annual Concert for the Kids April 6, at the Lighthouse Cove Event Center in Dewey Beach.

More than 250 attendees were treated to great music, delicious food and tasty libations while raising funds for Paul Kares, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging and educating children who show interest and passion for the culinary and musical arts.

Paul Kares’ mission is to support young artists by providing them with the confidence, training and tools to pursue careers in their chosen artistic field.

After attendees enjoyed the delicious food, they were treated to a concert by Bad River, a combo that includes Tony Sciuto, a former member of Little River Band; Paul Cullen, former bass player for Bad Company; and international recording artist Robbie LaBlanc; along with members of The Fitzkee Brothers and Earth Jam.

“I was so proud of the Paul Kares team for putting together an amazing event, including everyone at Lighthouse Cove Event Center for supplying such a beautiful venue,” said Cullen. “I was blown away by the great musicians who played from 5th Avenue with special guests from Cape High, and the star-studded Bad River. My favorite part was playing ‘Shooting Star’ with the Southern Delaware School of the Arts. I think if you added all their ages, they were younger than me. Special thanks to Jim Rivette, Fran Simeone and our great volunteers. I can’t wait till next year.”

Cape Henlopen band members Julia Burrell and Reed Williamson sit in on sax with 5th Avenue band members Monte Wisbrock on saxophone and Jeff Cooper on bass.

Bad River Band entertains the crowd during their set at the Concert for the Kids. Shown are (l-r) former Little River Band member Tony Sciuto, former Hall & Oates member Eliot Lewis, The Fitzkee Brothers’ Alex Fitzkee, Earth Jam singer Robbie LaBlanc and former Bad Company bassist Paul Cullen.

Southern Delaware School of the Arts rock band guitarist Leeland Harne sings a Santana cover.

Waiting to go onstage are Bad River members (l-r) Eliot Lewis, Robbie LaBlanc, Tony Sciuto and Dale Teat.

Paul Cullen holds a live auction item for a cruise on the tall ship Royal Clipper. The sailing experience from Nice, France takes guests to the Grand Prix finals in Fontvieille, Monaco.

Selling Bad River and Paul Kares swag are (l-r) Mary Lemire, Susan Nolan and Pattie Cinelli.

Awaiting the concert are Paul Kares President Jim Rivette, and Bonnie and Paul Cullen.

Ready to entertain guests are Elvis, aka Ryan Haggenbottom, and chef Matt Casey.

Promoting the live auction items is Event Manager Kara Joyce.

Brenda and Bill Bertrand enjoy themselves during the VIP hour.

Sponsors Greg and Patty Buckley pause for a photo during the VIP hour.

Waiting for the concert to begin are Robbie LaBlanc, Steve Moore and Tony Sciuto.

Paul Cullen presents a $500 check to members of the Southern Delaware School of the Arts rock band. Shown are (l-r) Luke O'Boyle, McKenna Neumann, Haylie Hudson, Paul Cullen, SDSA teacher Melody Oneschuk and Paul Kares director of development Fran Simeone in back.