Sussex Republican women raise scholarship funds

The Sussex County Republican Women’s Club held its annual silent auction and bake sale luncheon Dec. 13 at the Virden Retreat Center in Lewes. Proceeds from the auction and bake sale help fund the club’s scholarship program.

This year, the club revamped its scholarship program and is partnering with Delaware Technical Community College. The new program will provide funding for Republican women who are enrolled at the college through the SEED Program. While this program covers the tuition cost for students, it does not pay for fees, books or uniforms if required. The club’s goal is to assist those students who are likely to remain local and offer services to Sussex County residents in career areas where there is great need, such as healthcare.

Valerie Jones Giltner, candidate for Representative District 37 in the Dec. 21 special election, addressed attendees. Giltner, a native Sussex Countian who has lived in Georgetown her whole life, told the club members of her desire to build a foundation to support strong working families, ensure safe and secure classrooms, protect citizens’ freedoms and limit government mandates. 

Club members also heard from U.S Senate candidate Eric Hansen, who spoke of his desire to bring his strong business background to the Senate. A successful Walmart executive, Hansen believes that government needs less politicization and more collaboration. He is focused on improving schools. He said poor outcomes being seen negatively affect Delaware’s ability to address quality-of-life issues like crime, employment opportunities and healthcare in the First State.