AVALON – Summer friendships often result in strong ties that last even after the season ends. This theory proved itself true Aug. 1 at “Dave Day on the Bay.” The dock party was hosted by friends of David Whitnack to honor him and raise money for the American Cancer Society.
This past winter, Whitnack was diagnosed with stage IV stomach cancer. More than 200 people attended the event.
“Dave is part of a large group of us who have been summering together in Avalon for about 15 years,” said M.J. DiNardo. “We decided to have this fundraiser because we wanted to honor him and show our support. Dave was very happy that money was being raised for cancer research.”
Fun T-shirts with a cartoon character of Dave were sold to commemorate the day. The shirts were donated by Ace Printing and all the sales benefited the American Cancer Society, said DiNardo.
Money was also raised through chances for raffle items from local businesses and Philadelphia sports teams.
“A special thank you to Bobby Mansure for arranging the raffles,” said DiNardo.
In a letter expressing gratitude for “Dave Day,” Whitnack wrote he left Northern California for Philadelphia 25 years ago. His first trip to Avalon was in the early 1990s.
After that first time, he continued crossing the bridge into Avalon and, with each visit, his circle of friends grew.
The borough officially became his second home when Whitnack purchased a property on the island 13 years after his first visit. He said the party, originally a surprise, was one of his “most cherished moments.”
To contact Heather Burns, email hburns@cmcherald.com.
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