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.
Caring for 70 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.