By Michael Short

With classroom grants and needs-based scholarships, a local organization has launched a major campaign to improve schools.

The Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation has reached out to local taxpayers to help the Indian River School District.  Education has always been a  top prioity for the QRCF with scholarships and grants among its many programs.

Since 2001, the QRCF has distributed $115,000 in grants and scholarship monies to Indian River School District students.

But there’s still too many needy students and not enough money. So, the “Back Our Schools” initiative was launched this fall. With the “Back Our Schools” program, people can contribute to a fund that will be used for scholarships and for grants that go directly to the classroom teacher.

A letter went out to residents last month and within 24 hours, contributions were starting to come in. There’ still too many needy students and not enough money, but organizers say the community has  warmly embraced the idea.

QRCF normally works in the Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island areas, but has decided to reach out to the entire Indian River School District. QRCF Secretary Mary Franz said that better schools mean a better work force, higher property values and better communities.

“We have 600 teachers and I bet everyone of them needs something,” she said.

The program won’t buy paper or chalk. But it might help pay for field trips, dictionaries or bulbs for overhead projects for smart boards because the money will be used for items not already paid for by federal, state or local dollars.

“The sky is the limit,” Franz said.

A letter sent to taxpayers in the school district said the program will directly impact students because it goes straight to classroom teachers. Building principals verify that the request is a real need.

But after that, it will “directly” impact classroom teachers, according to that letter. “We remove the bureaucratic red tape and make a direct impact on our students and our schools.”

“We were adamant that we wanted the money to get to the kids,” Franz said.

QRCF President Diane Comolli said “the best and strongest communities are the ones where schools have partnerships.”

“People in our community will be able to see exactly where their money is going. It is transparent,” she said. “It’s going to move schools forward. Consequently, it moves communities forward.”

Franz said the goal is to ensure that “every child is as successful as we can help make them be.”

In addition to the classroom grants, the program will also be used to fund needs-based scholarships for students.

“The Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation (QRCF) is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Bethany-Fenwick and surrounding areas by providing financial aid resources and other assistance in support of programs, individuals and organizations that enhance our community for both residents and visitors alike,” according to the group’s website.

The QRCF held one of its’ major events on Saturday, Dec. 4. The annual Caribbean Christmas benefited The Wellness Community-Delaware, The William O. Murray Scholarship Fund, Camp Barnes and community grant and scholarship funds.

To make a tax-deductible donation or to find out more about the Back to School initiative, go to www.qrcf.org or email info@qrcf.org. You may also call 537-7723.

By Michael Short

It started as just a few little teddy bears collected for children in the local hospital.

Now, it’s becoming a beacon of hope for what Philip Brown likes to call his newborn angels. Brown is the founder of Bear Hugs for Babies, a group which provides care baskets filled to the brim with diapers, bottles, clothing, books and everything else a newborn baby will need. Each basket has a teddy bear and a book. Some have hand-knitted hats or booties made by volunteers.

But mostly, they are filled with love.

A decade after those first few bears were collected for sick children, Bear Hugs for Babies has helped nearly 2,000 newborn infants from needy families. Brown is proud to say that his group has never turned anyone away.

The group relies on donations of money or items for newborns. You can also “adopt” a teddy bear for $20, volunteer or host a theme party. Adopted bears can include a note sent to the newborn from the donor.

Bear Hugs for Babies cannot accept baby formula, used car seats or used cribs. But they can accept a whole range of other items for newborn infants.  Diapers in size one are always useful. Other suggestions include:  newborn pacifiers, baby bottles, newborn socks, booties and hats, onesies, gowns, receiving blankets, cotton swabs, bibs, infant mittens, baby powder, baby wipes, rectangular laundry baskets, gas cards (for the delivery van), nail clippers for infants etc. Donations are tax deductible.

Bear Hugs even has its own mascot. Kody O’ Bear has written a book, showed up in parades and even talks to kids in school.  Brown’s alter ego wants to encourage children to learn, to fire an enthusiasm for school that will help them succeed and reach for their dreams.

Kody speaks to pre-school students, sings songs and reads because Brown believes that reading can fire a love of learning that can change young lives. “They are all hungry to learn,” he said last summer. “They can, at that age, go one way or another depending on what influences they have . . . Basically, we try to get the kids really enthused about loving to read.”

Kody has written a book entitled “The Adventures of Kody O’Bear” and a second book is on the way. Kody’s Fun Learning Network is up and running and Kody’s Reading Explorers is in the works. You can find out more about Kody by going to www.kodyobear.com.

But the care baskets are Kody’s first love. The total number of newborns helped by Bear Hugs for Babies  is 1,818.  The days of a part-time job are long since over for Brown and his volunteers.

“It’s very full-time,” laughed Brown. “It’s not 9 to 5. Because as everyone knows, babies don’t come 9 to 5.”

“The best part is when I deliver the baskets personally,” he said. “Some families just take the infant and put it in your arms as a way of saying thank you.”

Bear Hugs clients are referred to them by hospitals, La Red, the Department of Health and Social Services and many other agencies and organizations which refer a newborn after the state of need has been verified. A Bear Hugs care basket is carefully created and delivered to the newborn’s family or guardian at the hospital or agency.

“I thank all of our varied and far-reaching volunteers and supporters for being so dedicated in helping God’s newborn angels obtain the essentials that provide them with a warm and loving start in life,” Brown said.

With the economy still sputtering, he said most recipient are people who you would never think would need a helping hand. They are often people just down the street who may have lost a job or fallen on tough times.

Testimonials, some from families who received gifts, speak of having nothing or of losing everything in a fire on the day a baby was born.

“As public nurses, we regularly witness how your “Baskets of Love” help at-risk infants, whose families ar struggling with financial and social challenges. Your beautiful baskets containing quilts, teddy bears and vital supplies are a ray of sunshine for these families,” wrote Barbara Clements, Pamela Sorce and Lisa Rohlfing.

The group is also looking for people to join its’ community relations team to help spread the word about Kody and Bear Hugs. Eric Montgomery is the new community relations director, a volunteer position, for  Bear Hugs. He can be reached at  Eric@bearhugsforbabies.org.

For more information about Bear Hugs for Babies, go to www.Bearhugsforbabies.org or call 226-5523. The website includes a complete list of needed items.

By Michael Short

Everywhere you looked, people were busy wrapping.  Boxes and boxes of balls, games and coats were wrapped and placed outside in a small mountain of bags to be distributed to needy families and children.

For more than two decades, the Sussex County Association of Realtors (SCAOR) has gathered and wrapped Christmas gifts for those in need. In addition to the dolls, bicycles and toys, everyone who asks for it receives a winter coat. Each family also receives a gift card for food.

“It’s not about just toys, it’s about needs,” said Sussex County Association of Realtors Community Service Foundation Wrapping Chairman Susan Mills.

Realtors, friends and family members  from all over Sussex County gathered at the Rusty Rudder on Thursday, Dec. 9 to wrap gifts. Approximately 60 people wrapped gifts, some of it almost assembly line style. About 90 people gathered to do the shopping for this year’s gift giving.

The Rudder is normally closed now, but it opened its’ doors so they would have a place to wrap presents.

“We can’t do it without the support of the community,” Mills said.

This year, 165 families are being helped.

A total of 424 children are also being helped.

It’s considered a true community effort because the Rudder opens it doors, Grotto Pizza buys lunch, Kmart opens early and offers discounts so the realtors can stretch their gift dollars and Food Lion gives discounts on gift cards.

School nurses, the Children’s Beach House, First State Community Action and other service agencies recommend children and families in need. They also give information about what each family needs.

The money comes from an annual auction in October as well as from donations from members.  While they raise a considerable sum of money, it still has to be stretched to buy all of those gifts. So, the children won’t find computers or iPads under the tree. But they will find dolls, games and the occasional bicycle.

The realtors also bought 310 winter coats to ward off the winter chill and some families receive car seats for their young children. Donations are tax deductible and all the money raised stays in Sussex County to help friends and neighbors who are having a tough time.

“It’s giving back to the community in which we live and work,” said Dave Lambert, the president of the Sussex County Association of Realtors Community Service Foundation. “I think that every year we find there is a need.”

Mills notes that with the sluggish economy, the group has noticed an increase in the number of homeless people this holiday season.

“You have to give back,” she said.

“The realtors are like the elves,” she said with a laugh.

“It’s a chance to help people who are less fortunate than myself,” Lambert said.

“We’re (realtors from different businesses) friendly competitors,” Mills said. “But it’s an opportunity for everybody to come together and do something for the good of the community.”

To make a donation or help with next year’s gift drive, Mills and Lambert suggest you contact your local realtor or real estate office for more information.

By Michael Short

Striper Bites Bistro in Lewes is offering diners a chance to donate part of the proceeds of each dinner to the charity of their choice.

It’s called Fork-In, Fork-Out (FiFo) and it’s the brainchild of veteran local bartender Andrew Thomas. Each Wednesday night for the last five weeks, diners at Striper Bites have been able to pick a charity and donate ten percent of their check cost to that charity.

It’s not unusual for restaurants to host the occasional special night to raise funds for charities. But Thomas hopes Fork-In, Fork-Out will evolve into far more than just the occasional night.

He hopes a series of restaurants will continually offer diners a chance to give back to their community.

“People are passionate about supporting their local charities and non-profits,” Thomas said. “They are also passionate about food and I knew I wanted a local restaurant that served great food.”

Thomas has another Rehoboth Beach restaurant interested in the idea and Striper Bites has agreed to extend the program for another three weeks. It’s a modest start to what Thomas hopes will become something much larger. “My hope is that we can have several restaurants get involved and enable folks to have places to go each night of the week to support their favorite non-profits.”

He said it’s a win for everyone involved. The restaurants get increased business because people come out to support their local charities. The charities get a chance to make some extra money during a time when the economy continues to sputter and people are counting every nickel.

Finally, people get to eat a fine meal at a restaurant like Striper Bites.

Thomas also has a marketing firm called Cherry Cheetah, which he credits with developing the FiFo idea. The firm’s logo features a cheetah, but with some of the spots replaced with cheeries. “The idea is, if you want to change your spots and separate from the pack . . . go with Cherry Cheetah,” he said.

Participating groups thus far include: The Beebe Medical Foundation, Clear Space Theatre Company, Coastal Concerts, Cape Henlopen Educati0nal Foundation, Fort Miles Historical Association, Lewes Public Library, Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth, Overfalls Foundation, Seashore Strider Youth Cross Country, Lewes Historical Society, Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary, Center for the Inland Bays, Sussex County Habitat for Humanity, Children’s Beach House, The Rehoboth Beach Film Society and the Historic Lewes Farmer’s Market.

Just ask your server for a “give back slip” when you ask for your check. Circle the non-proft of your choice and they get ten percent of the proceeds from your purchase.

The actual charities listed may vary (FiFo donation slips are a bit of a work in progress), but if a charity has been taken off the slip, diners can write the name on the back of the slip.

Thomas jokes that there may be room for 100 charities on the slip, “but most restaurants are not stocked with magnifying glasses.”

Thomas got the idea from seeing fundraising nights offered by local businesses. “I decided that it might be a great idea for a restaurant to create a weekly fundraiser night, just as it might have a weekly burger night, and to include not just one, but many local non-profits . . . just as folks commit to memory that a certain night of the week is “Burger Night” at their favorite restaurant, so to hopefully, will they gain a passion for FiFo night.”

“It’s a great way to support your favorite local causes at a great local restaurant,” he said in a press release announcing FiFo.

For additional information, including a list of restaurants and charities, go to forkinforkout.com.  Thomas hopes to eventually link to all the charities through the FiFo website.

You can find out more about Cherry Cheetah by going to www.cherrycheetah.com.

By Michael Short

New Year’s Day began with a frosty splash for many Sussex Countians.

In Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island and Lewes, there were polar bear plunges to begin 2011. A fourth group of hardy polar bears braved the waters in Ocean City.

Next month, the Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge in Rehoboth Beach on February 6 is expected to draw thousands of people to what is rapidly becoming a Sussex County tradition.

Last year, the event in Rehoboth Beach drew 2,323 bears and has expanded to include a run, chili cooking, ice carving and children’s games. Governor Jack Markell showed up last year, although the event had to be postponed after a massive February snowfall.

But when it finally went off in March, it was an enormous success.

In Bethany Beach, the 15th annual Leo Brady Exercise Like the Eskimos plunge drew 478 splashers at high noon on New Year’s Day. Drawn by 50 degree weather, hundreds gathered at the Bethany Beach Boardwalk to listen to music and take the plunge.

“It seemed like everybody was out having a good time,” said Carrie Subity, the executive director of the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce. “It went very well.”

“We’re freezin’ for a reason,” according to the Chamber’s website.

The event is named for Leo Brady, a long-time volunteer and one of the founders of the event. “He was a huge asset and friend to the entire Quiet Resorts Community,” said Subity.

Brady’s son was on hand for this year’s plunge.

With a cannon shot sounding the signal to plunge, the bears splashed into the water. There were just over 300 people at the 2010 event, but the relatively balmy weather after a foot of snow may have drawn more people.

“Everybody was getting a little bit of cabin fever,” said Subity.

Winning groups took home the coveted and well-named Iceberg Trophy. Three icebergs were awarded this year with the Leaping Dolphins winning the category for the largest student group. Cottage Cafe won the commercial Iceberg category and Team Neptune from Frankford won the non-commercial class.

PNC Bank was the presenting sponsor for the Bethany plunge.

But Bethany Beach was far from alone.

The Lewes Polar Bears plunged into the Atlantic at Cape Henlopen State Park, continuing almost a full three decades of tradition. It’s the Lewes Polar Bears who plunge in February to benefit Special Olympics (that plunge actually takes place in Rehoboth Beach).

Fenwick Island’s Fenwick Freeze took place for the seventh year and the Atlantic General Hospital Penguin Swim went off in Ocean City, Maryland.

Plungers (it’s one event that never lasts more than a few seconds) often turn the events into family traditions and there’s often more than a few odd costumes, signs, hats and general fun at the affairs.

In fact, the Exercise Like the Eskimos event specifies that you have to wear a bathing suit. There can be no “wetsuits, sweat suits, business suits” etc., according to the rules.

Most of the events are fundraisers with the Exercise Like the Eskimos event raising some $2,500 for the Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation. “Collect donations to support your splash from those who are too chicken to take the icy plunge,” the chamber’s website advises.

The Fenwick Freeze raises money for the Fenwick Island Lifeguards Competition Fund while the Penguin Swim in Ocean City raises money to support the hospital. For more information about the Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation, go to info@qrcf.org.

“It was just a good day in Bethany Beach,” said Subity.

By Michael Short

There isn’t much that can slow down Connie Miller.

She didn’t let two crutches stop her from taking her annual Polar Bear plunge to benefit Special Olympics.

When a crushing snowstorm bore down on the Cape Region last year on the weekend of the plunge, she just went early and plunged before whiteout conditions began. Last February’s storm

By Michael Short

The Rehoboth Beach Sunrise Rotary Club has been hosting a championship football weekend for years, offering local fans a chance to watch football and feast on the finest of tailgate fare while helping those in need.

On what is often a cold, nasty day in January, fans gather inside the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center on Sunday, Jan. 23. That’s the day when the last four football teams standing duke it out to see who will play in the Super Bowl.

The Steelers and Jets and the Bears and Packers will collide on the wide screen television sets inside the Convention Center while an estimated 450 or more fans relax and feast in comfort on Championship Sunday.

The Rotary Club charges $20 for adults and $5 for children under 12, which includes subs, cole slaw, potato salad, pretzels, Big Lou’s Famous egg rolls, pizza, snacks, beer, wine, soda and a whopping 200 pounds of pulled pork to feast upon. There are raffles, door prizes and a kids corner with games and videos for the younger set, including Madden Challenge.

There’s also a silent auction with restaurant packages, sports memorabilia and other items for fans to bid on.

The doors open at 2 p.m., about an hour before the first kickoff. Food is served beginning at 2:30 p.m. and it’s all you can eat and drink until 8 p.m. on Sunday night.

The proceeds go to benefit a host of very deserving local causes and it’s very much a family affair for fans of all ages with plenty of activities available for children.

Rotary members say the emphasis is on fellowship. “It’s fellowship and fun on a dreary day,” said Sunrise Rotary Club President Philip Allen.

The Rotary supports a number of causes with proceeds from the event, including Casa San Francisco and the Delaware Food Bank. The club provides coats for those in need, holiday meals for the hungry, support for an English/Spanish Dictionary program and dictionaries for third grade students in Rehoboth Elementary School.

The Rotary Club also supports the Wounded Warrior program, the Delaware Burn Camp located at Camp Barnes near Bethany Beach, the Boys and Girls Club, the Southern Delaware Therapeutic Horseback Program and Foster Children of Sussex County by purchasing suitcases for displaced children.

Those are a few of the many causes supported by the local Rotary Club, according to Allen. They raised approximately $8,000 from last year’s Championship Sunday, he said.

“Come and join us. You’ll be surprised at the number of neighbors and friends that will be there every year. . . It’s a great event,” Allen said. “Number one, it’s football. Number 2, it’s late January at the beach and Number 3, it’s for a good cause.”

The Rotary usually fills the Convention Center, which can hold some 450 or 500 people at capacity.

“It’s the area’s biggest tailgate,” Allen said.

Rotary members are known for their four-part test, which asks of all the things, we think, say or do:

1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Tickets are available at the door on Sunday or through any local Rotary member.

This foursome was ready for a chilly dip in 2010. They are (l-r) Sean Pedrick, Bill Queener, Phillip Cane and Alan Pedrick. Photo by Michael Short.

Governor Jack Markell and a few thousand friends.

Gary Junkerman takes a dip. Photo by Michael Short.

By Michael Short

Connie Miller doesn’t let much keep her from taking her yearly polar bear plunge to benefit Special Olympics.

She didn’t let a cast on her leg keep her from taking the plunge.

And when a brutal snowstorm bore down on the Delaware coast the weekend of the plunge, she just went early before whiteout conditions began.

Last February’s snowstorm dropped 22 inches of snow on the Cape region and forced the postponement of the Lewes Polar Bear plunge. But Miller had long since taken her chilly dip alone, except for a few friends and supporters.

“There hasn’t been too much that stopped me,” she said.

On Sunday, February 6, Miller and a few thousand other hardy souls will brave the chilly waters for the annual Lewes Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics. The quick dip will take place in front of the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand and it will raise thousands of dollars to benefit Special Olympics Delaware.

This is the major fundraiser for Special  Olympics Delaware and a handful of bears like Miller have not missed a single one of the 20 Polar Bear plunges.

Promptly at 1 p.m., they will dash into the surf in an assortment of bathing suits, togas, bear costumes and too many hats and flags to even mention. Last year’s postponed jump was into a balmy 42 degree ocean and the March 14 date caused many to dub it the O’Plunge in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

But in 1995, the Bears jumped when the air temperature was zero degrees and the water temperature was 28 degrees. It’s not unusual to share the surf with chunks of ice.

Last year’s jump raised more than a half million dollars. In 19 years, approximately $5 million has been raised. All money raised benefits Special Olympics Delaware’s programs for nearly 3,300 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

“It’s hard to believe that in 1992, 78 people jumped into the ocean, unsure if the event would ever be repeated to benefit Special Olympics Delaware,” said Special Olympics Delaware spokesman Jon Buzby. “Twenty years later, those same bears have been joined by thousands more to raise more than $5 million for  Special Olympics. We are indebted to the polar bears for their ongoing commitment to our athletes.”

What began as a simple plunge by the Lewes Polar Bears (even though the event is  now held in Rehoboth Beach), has grown to include a chili cooking contest, a 5K run and an ice carving contest.

Former Congressman Mike Castle attended last year. Governor Jack Markell has taken the dip two years in a row and it’s not unusual to see Miss Delaware show up for a quick swim.

This year’s festival will include a new event, a cake decorating contest sponsored by the TLC Channel’s Cake Boss: Next Great Baker.

“I just do it because I find it exhilarating,” said Miller. “I enjoy doing it. . . The bottom line is I love jumping for Special Olympics, raising money and contributing.”

“There have been times when there was ice in the water and that was pretty cold,” she said. “It’s mind over matter.”

“It’s done before you realize it,” she said.

Some years, it’s actually colder when you come out of the water and into the February winds. Smart bears come equipped with plenty of towels and robes supplied by friends and family. There’s also an after party held every year at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center at 1:15 p.m., which offers frigid bears a chance to unthaw.

Many jump because they have relatives or friends or neighbors who take part in Special Olympics. Miller is affiliated with the Children’s Beach House in Lewes and regularly works with children facing a variety of challenges. “Special Olympics is a fabulous organization to raise money for.”

There’s a special stories section on the Special Olympics Delaware website, which allows bears to share their stories. “I’m happy that by running into the freezing cold water, I’m helping someone else,” wrote Savannah Haines before last year’s plunge. “This year, I plan on making my boyfriend and all his friends run into the water with me. I will get to hear the boys whine about how cold it is.”

“There are not many places where we can go where all we see are smiling faces,” wrote  Leah Dougherty-Maher in one posting. ” . . . All I could see on the beach were happy, laughing, giving people.”

By Michael Short

Valentine’s Day weekend is known for many things. It’s a weekend of romance and roses, dinner and dancing, long lingering looks and lasting love.

But in Lewes, it’s also known for four legged furry friends. The Lewes Winter Barkfest (formerly Winterfest) is geared around our feline and canine friends with a pet pageant and “yappy” hour among the scheduled events.

The event is a chance to attract people to downtown Lewes on Valentine’s Day weekend. With the holidays over and spring still weeks in the future, it can be a dreary time of year.

Lewes Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Betsy Reamer said that the name of the festival was changed after she noticed “the dogs had sort of taken over the weekend.”
She said that Lewes has become more “dog-centric” and that the animals have truly become the centerpiece of the Winterfest. The signature event, a pet pageant, will continue again this year.

Pets of all descriptions are allowed to take part in the pet promenade and pageant on Bark Street. It’s actually on Bank Street, but the street is renamed for a few hours on Saturday, Feb. 12  in honor of the canine and feline stars.

There are no restrictions on the pets allowed to take part in the pageant, but only dogs have taken part thus far. The lone exception was a pet pig owned by some local Lewes residents.

The promenade and pageant is modeled after a more traditional beauty pageant with pets competing in formal wear and leisure wear categories. There is also a very popular look-alike competition where pets and owners will both be judged on who looks most alike.

It’s not certain whether the animals start to look like the owners or the owners start to look like the animals.

There is also a kids freestyle competition offered, with entries limited to children only.

“The pet pageant has really got a following,” Reamer said.

Registration for the 2 p.m. pageant takes place at Pawsitively Unique Pet Shop on Second Street. Besides P.U.P.S., you can also register in front of Citizens Bank on the day of the pageant. Cost is $5 and prizes will be awarded.

Lesley Bowers will emcee the pageant and the three judges will be local businessman Lou Braithwaite, Kathy Davison of Comcast Spotlight and Debbie Sheing.

The weekend includes pet photography at P.U.P.S.  from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and a chance to bring donations for the SPCA, ranging from pet food to kitty litter, blankets, sheets, toys, dog bones and bleach (for cleaning kennels).

There will also be SPCA shelter dogs on hand for anyone looking for a new addition to their family.

Much of the weekend will benefit the Sussex County SPCA. Proceeds from the pet pageant as well as 50/50 raffle proceeds from Friday night’s “Yappy Hour” will both benefit the local shelter.

The Yappy Hour is new this year. Irish Eyes will be offering a bevy of specialty drinks and foods on Friday night, Feb. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m.  in the enclosed porch area and pets and their owners are welcome to come by.

It’s a chance to sample a “Mutt-tini”, “Cat-atonic” or “Bark-tini” while enjoying a view of the waterfront. There will also be a 50/50 at the Yappy Hour, which is designed for pets and their people “who like to yap.”

In addition to the dogs, cats and other feathered, furry or scaly friends, there will also be plenty of special business discounts and offerings to help shake off that February cabin fever.

“Come to Lewes to celebrate the holiday,”  Reamer said.

For more information about the event, contact the Lewes Chamber of Commerce at 302-645-8073.

By Michael Short

Sunday’s Polar Bear Plunge in Rehoboth Beach will attract thousands of people splashing into the chilly Atlantic.

It”s the 20th anniversary of the spectacular event and this year’s competition will include something new. There will be a cake-off on Saturday, Feb. 5 featuring some of the nation’s best young rising chefs, including Dana Herbert of Bear.

Herbert is fresh off his win on TLC’s Next Great Baker competition, a competition that turned him into a reality television star.

The cake-off is part of a whole weekend of activities to benefit Special Olympics Delaware. The plunge, which takes place  Sunday, Feb. 6, raised more than $500,000 for Special Olympics Delaware last year. As many as 2,900 people have taken the plunge.

They do so despite weather conditions that can be brutal. The plunge has been postponed until March twice, including last year. But in 1995, the plunge went off despite a zero degree reading on the thermometer which meant the wind chill was minus 20 degrees.

Governor Jack Markell will be taking the plunge for the third straight year and will be joined by more than 2,000 people. It’s the major fundraiser for Special Olympics Delaware and it’s become a February tradition.

It’s also become something of a happening. The very first jump attracted 78 plungers, but now it’s become an entire weekend with a chili cookoff, a race along the Boardwalk, ice carving and kids games.

This is the first year for the cake-off. Several chefs, including Herbert, will compete at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. There’s no admission charge and you can even cast a vote for the best polar bear cake.

The cakes will be displayed from 10 a.m. until noon on Sunday before the plunge. For a donation of $1, you can taste a slice. The money goes directly to Special Olympics Delaware.

These aren’t your grandmom’s cake bakers. Cakes that light up, move or weigh hundreds of pounds are likely to be on the menu. They may be more likely to resemble art than pastry.

Herbert said there aren’t any rules for the competition except that the cakes are in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Polar Bear Plunge. That means the bakers are likely to go big.

“If I know the other team, they are going to go vertical,” he said.

Herbert is the owner of Desserts by Dana, his Bear, Delaware business. Now, after eight weeks with Buddy Valastro, whose family owns Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken, Herbert has become a minor celebrity by being named the winner of the Next Great Baker competition.

Valastro put the chefs through their paces, sometimes working all night, to hone their baking and business skills. It’s an intense pressure cooker of competition presided over by Valastro.

Herbert became known for his calm demeanor amid the chaos, prompting one writer to call him a “zen” baker. “I try to stay calm. It takes too much energy to get mad or upset.”

When little things go wrong, he said he tries “to suck it up and move on.”

It wasn’t long before he began to be recognized. Soon after the show started, he had to get used to hearing “Hey, you’re that cake guy,” he said.

Herbert, nicknamed Sugar Daddy, baked a cake for last year’s Polar Bear Plunge, so he’s familiar with the event and the many people it helps. “It’s definitely a good cause. It’s local. Twenty years is definitely a milestone,” he said.

Long before the Next Great Baker came about, he told Special Olympics that he was interested in helping out again. “I said ‘let me help you guys. Maybe we can have a cake competition.”

“It should be a lot of fun,” Herbert said. “There should be a lot of families and kids there.”

He won $50,000 and a new car as the winner of the Next Great Baker competition. Most of it will be set aside to pay for college for his first child, due to be born in two weeks. “By the time she is 18, I can’t imagine what the cost of an education will be.”

He will be joined by several of his fellow bakers for Saturday’s showdown at the bake ovens. Also competing will be bakers: Corina Elgart, Jay Qualls, Brian Stevens, Johanna Lyons and Kendra Jordan.

Pastry wasn’t always in his blood. He wanted to own his own restaurant, but found himself  looking at  the pastry students at work. “That looks really cool,” he thought. “I was hooked. I guess you could say it was the art. You are always doing something a little different.”

He has a message for all his fans who cheered him on during the Next Great Baker competition. “Thank you for your support . . . I’m glad I could make Delaware proud.”

For more information on Desserts by Dana, go to http://dessertsbydana.com. For more information on the Lewes Polar Bear plunge for Special Olympics, go to www.plungede.org.