About DFRC
Reaching Citizens With Intellectual Disabilities
DFRC is a well-respected Delaware foundation dedicated to raising funds and consciousness in support of programs that enrich the lives of Delawareans with intellectual disabilities. Established in 1956, the private, nonprofit organization is dedicated to identifying and funding programs based on community need.
DFRC Fundraising
Originally known as the Delaware Foundation for Retarded Children, DFRC
has raised millions of dollars over the years through its signature fundraising
events – the annual Blue-Gold All-Star Football Game, Holidazzle,
the Blue-Gold All-Star Golf Classics, and our newest events, the Blue-Gold All*Star Run/Walk in Lewes and the DFRC Sussex County Auction. These events provide opportunities
to promote understanding of people with intellectual disabilities. Each
year with the help of volunteers, high school student committees, community
participants, individual contributors, and corporate sponsors, DFRC raises
thousands of dollars to support programs that encourage individuals with
intellectual disabilities to maximize their potential, independence and
enjoyment of life.
Click here to see our 2009 DFRC Calendar of Events
Caring for more than 50 Years
It all started on a Saturday afternoon in 1956 when high school students from across Delaware entered a stadium to play football. Players, cheerleaders and fans gathered for a game that featured more than touchdowns – it raised money to help improve the lives of hundreds of Delaware children with intellectual disabilities.
That event was the first annual Blue-Gold All-Star Football Game. DFRC’s founders, Bob Carpenter and Jim Williams, two local sports enthusiasts who were the parents of children with intellectual disabilities, inspired the game. They wanted to host a sporting event that spread awareness about intellectual disabilities. At that time, people with intellectual disabilities outnumbered those with cerebral palsy, polio, and blindness. While there were nationwide campaigns to collect funds for individuals with physical disabilities, there were no local fundraising campaigns to help people with intellectual disabilities.
Increasing Awareness
DFRC continues to adapt to the needs of our community with an increased focus on education and awareness. As we move into our sixth decade of consciousness building, we want to help all Delawareans understand intellectual disabilities as a natural part of the human experience and amplify our sharing of valuable lessons about diversity and acceptance. In 2007, DFRC's "Awareness through Education" program developed a multi-disciplinary curriculum for all schools - public, private and parochial - around a reading project. Click here for more information on this exciting new program.
