‘It’s a process:’ Benefit bash supports families impacted by Sussex County tornado

BRIDGEVILLE, Del.- “You don’t see this in our town. It’s rare,” Tomeski said.

Those were Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company Lieutenant John Tomeski words, describing the EF-3 tornado that tore through Sussex County on April 1st and took one life.

The mourning community is now looking toward the future, holding a benefit bash Sunday. “The day after is when they sat and discussed it. They said let’s have a benefit in the park. The little league came together and said we’ll organizer it, the lions club of Bridgeville said we’ll help distribute it, and the town we did our part,” Tomeski said.

The event included food, live music, and several local vendors. All proceeds will go to directly to the disaster relief fund.

Kaytra McDonald with Cornerstone Community Center says their nonprofit has connected many to a variety of resources from food to housing. She tells 47ABC it’s an ongoing effort. “By us being out here we’re all networking, getting to know each other, and building the community back up,” McDonald said.

“Sometimes people just need a hug or someone to talk to. We just want to be by their side and let them know someone is there with them every step of the way.”

The Bridgeville Lions Club was also present saying it’s been great to see the community rally together. “We feel that it’s really bringing the people together to help people in any way they can,” Russ Daudelin said.

Lt. Tomeski says the tornado was not only life-altering for Bridgeville, but Greenwood and Ellendale.

He says recovery will take time, but for now they’re doing everything possible to let the community know they’re there. “It’s a process. It’ll always be here, and it’ll always be one of those things we have to remember,” Tomeski said.

“Our saying is one Bridgeville. This is showing how it truly is just one Bridgeville.”

Organizers tells us that relief efforts don’t stop, as there will be more events and other ways to get involved.