DFRC, Delaware Foundation Reaching Citizens, more commonly know as Blue-Gold, is an organization that is dedicated to raising funds and awareness in support of programs that enrich the lives of the mentally disabled people in Delaware. DFRC was founded in 1956 by Bob Carpenter and Jim Williams. This nonprofit organization focuses on funding programs based off the needs of the community. DFRC raises its money through fundraisers held throughout the year. One of the most popular fundraisers is the Blue-Gold All-Star Football game, which is held annually. The whole organization started in 1956, when high school students from all over Delaware came together to play football. However, it was more than just a football game; it doubled as a fundraiser to help the lives of local Delaware children. The idea belonged to Bob Carpenter and Jim Williams, Both of whom were parents to mentally disabled children. Because they were so enthusiastic about sports, they wanted to hold a sporting event that inspired awareness about mental disabilities. The two men took it upon themselves to create a program that supported people with intellectual diseases,which they considered necessary because, at the time, intellectual diseases outnumbered physical diseases. Despite this fact, there were plenty of programs that sponsored physical diseases and few to help intellectual diseases. The program expanded rapidly from there. Today, some of the most popular fundraisers include the Blue-Gold All-Star Football Game, the Blue-Gold Golf Classic, Blue-Gold Run/Walk 5k, and an auction held in Sussex County.

Many high schools around the state of Delaware are very involved with Blue Gold DFRC, including Padua Academy. One of our activities is dedicated to Blue Gold, in which the students plan fundraisers, go on field trips where they get to spend time with some of the intellectually disabled children of Delaware, and volunteer at events held by the actual organization. Some of the things our fellow sisters have done this year include planning Blue-Gold Bingo Night, going on a bowling field trip where they got to bond with kids from the organization, and volunteering their time and efforts at the Reindeer Run 5k. Getting high schools involved is a great way to promote the organization. As DFRC rolls into it’s sixth decade of building and raising awareness, it continues to adjust to the needs of the community with a focus on education.