Cape Community Fund marks 10 years of stepping up to help

For generations, neighbor helping neighbor has been a defining characteristic of rural Sussex County. Today, it continues through the Cape Community Fund at the Greater Lewes Foundation.

In 2014, a group of friends from the last graduating class at Lewes High School raised funds to help a classmate suffering from a medical emergency.

From that first gift grew the Cape Community Fund, formed at the GLF to assist families and individuals living in the Cape school district who are dealing with emergency situations.

Three members of the original group – Maryellen Kiernan, Milton “Butch” Archer and Ed Shockley – continue to serve as fund advisors and work actively to raise money through events and donations, which the GLF manages.

Over the past 10 years, more than 300 grants have been awarded, totaling $640,000. During 2024, the fund assisted 30 adults and 59 children, including 19 families during the Christmas season.

To ensure donations are charitable, the fund requires written applications, which a panel of advisors reviews to verify and test against criteria. Grants are often paid directly to medical providers, landlords or utility providers.

“We seldom have enough to cover the entire need, but what we are able to provide often makes a critical difference,” said Butch Archer, CCF chair.

Over the years, fund advisors have established a network of local, county and state service providers that also helps them make referrals for their applicants. “This year, I believe we made just as many referrals as grants,” Archer said.

Kiernan said, “The Sussex County tradition of helping others is part of the fabric of our communities. I hope it never changes.”

Learn more at greaterlewesfoundation.org.