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SATURDAY, APRIL 25th, 2026

6:00pm VIP Reception

7:00pm Main Event

About The Event

Our State. Our Story. Our Sparkle.

 The 16th Annual A Taste for Art was an elegant evening where art, cuisine, and community reflected and illuminated the many sparkling facets of our beloved First State - with the priceless purpose of giving children the bright, beautiful futures they deserve. 

Stay tuned for news and updates on our 2027 event!

A Diamond State of Mind raised over $92,000 for Delaware's children and families!

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The most elegant way to celebrate the First State... is being first.

One hour before the main event, VIP guests delighted in creatively curated tastes of Delaware’s delicacies - think oysters, chicken, even scrapple - elevated beyond your wildest expectations.

Wilmington Brew Works served tastings of their locally brewed craft beers, along with the stories, directly from the owner, of how their popular brand came to be.

Attendees had a full open bar - featuring Delaware's Official State Cocktail, as both a cocktail and mocktail.

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Attendees sipped, savored, shopped, and supported thriving children

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Attendees shoped original works from local artisans, in a variety of mediums, with 25% of all on-site sales donated directly to our mission.

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Delaware's top high school culinary programs prepared and served exquisite small bites .

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Attendees enjoyed an expansive menu of carefully curated wines, craft beers, top-shelf liquors, and custom-themed cocktails & mocktails.

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 Winners took home a wide variety of high-end items and experiences, with a focus on Delaware's most beloved and desired things.

Artists

 THANK you Featured Artists!

THANK YOU student chefs

Student Chefs

Led by:

Chef Kirk Clemens &

Chef Ralph Freeman

Led by:

Chef Denise Anderson

Led by:

Chef Gary James &

Chef Michael Mullen

OUR DAZZLING Honorary Committee

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Diamond

Chip and Katy Connolly

Michelle and David Shepherd

Greg and Susie Williams

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champion

Tam and Darin DeFer

David and Lisa Driban

Rachel and Todd Harad

Peg Kates

Susan and Bernie Kelley

Senator Tizzy Lockman and John Collins

Heather O'Connell

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advocate

Anonymous

Mary Bowler and Kenneth Jones

Don Brown and Lynne Howard

Senator Dan Cruce and Bart Dryden

Robert and Suzanne DeSantis

Lt. Governor Kyle and Olin Gay

William and Deborah Hartnett

John Nowaczyk and Ciara O'Connell

Kirsten Olson and Richard James

Gina and Josh Schoenberg

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supporter

Cindy Bo and David Hwang

Jaclyn and Ross Carey

Mayor John and Tracey Quillen Carney

Lisa and Marty Lessner

Kate and Bob Pincus

Michael and Maureen Rhodes
Zallinger/David Foundation

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friend

Gunnip & Co.

Qi Folio - Tristan Keelan

Lizzie and Ray Lewis

Kathryn Sharp and Justin Nicholson

Mary Williams and Brendan Schlauch

Jamie Schneider

OUR SPARKLING Sponsors

sponsors
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& silent auction donors

Silent Auction

Feature your business  by donating Gift cards, Services, and More! Click here.

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Chip & Katy Connolly

Tam & Darin

DeFer

Marisa

de los Santos

Robert & Suzanne DeSantis

Jen & Al

Gallo

Emily & Greg

Hershman

Susan & Bernie Kelley

Representative Sarah McBride

Kiera & Patrick McGillivray

Kirsten Olson & Richard James

Sarah Rogatz

& Family

Meghan & Jamie Walls

Eva Weissman Pottery

Every child deserves a champion.

Will it be you?

DONATE TODAY!

Children & Families First

302-658-5177

info@cffde.org

Administrative Headquarters

555 Justison Street

Wilmington, DE 19801

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