The News Journal, March 16, 2008

Last weekend’s CAI/Easter Seals Volleyball Challenge set a new fundraising record for the event – and no public officials got injured.

The weekend of charity played at the University of Delaware’s Carpenter Sports Building in Newark “raised an amazing $322,000,” said Easter Seals spokeswoman Verna Wilkins Hensley, “with more dollars coming in each day.”

The event was started in 1981 to support the nonprofit group’s services for all ages of Delawareans with disabilities. Last year, Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., injured his foot while playing in the event’s second annual political party match, and ended up spending weeks with crutches and a medical boot.

Democrats won the first year and Republicans won last year, making last weekend’s contest a political grudge match.

And in play spectators described as “intense,” the Republicans emerged victorious for the second year in a row, with team captain Rep. Greg Lavelle, R-Sharpley, taking possession of the event’s continuing trophy – and bragging rights.

“It was a humbling experience to see the hundreds of team members, volunteers and our top elected officials all join together over the weekend to help Easter Seals improve the lives of people with disabilities in our region,” Hensley said.

The annual Volleyball Challenge, sponsored by the CAI information technology consulting firm and supported by founding Canada Dry, is one of the biggest fundraisers that benefits the Easter Seals of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Looking back at another successful challenge weekend, involving more than 200 teams and hundreds of volunteers, Hensley said she especially enjoyed that Insurance Commissioner Matt Denn brought his sons when he came to play for the Democratic team.

“They had brought their own balls to play with during the political match and, remembering the infamous senatorial injury from last year, little Zach Denn [son of Insurance Commisioner Matthew Denn] had brought his toy ‘doctor’s kit’ in case Sen. Carper needed it this year,” Hensley said.

“Thankfully,” she said, “no medical assistance from Zach was required.”