RUSTY DUKES TO CHAIR “BRIDGING THE GAP” CAMPAIGN

GEORGETOWN, DE — Community leader and businessman Rusty L. Dukes has been named Campaign Chair for the $505,000 “Bridging the Gap” campaign at Delmarva Christian High School. To meet increased demand, the school has launched a capital campaign to provide more classroom and administrative space for the school.

Rusty Dukes is manager of Dukes Lumber Company in Laurel, Delaware, a family-owned business founded in 1963 by his grandfather, Silas E. Dukes.  The retail lumber and building supply company is known for its commitment to honesty and integrity while striving to exceed customer expectations. Rusty is the son of retired County Councilman Dale Dukes and has two sons of his own. His youngest, Kolby is a 2009 graduate of Delmarva Christian High School.

Mr. Dukes has an extensive background in community service and missions work throughout the Delmarva Peninsula and beyond. Using his knowledge of the construction industry, Mr. Dukes organized work crews to assist with the building of the Habitat for Humanities Corporate Office in Georgetown, Delaware.  He also served as construction manager for the Nehemiah House in Seaford, Delaware. In addition, Dukes led four mission teams of students from Delmarva Christian High School to Gulfport, Mississippi to assist with Katrina Relief.

Dukes serves on the executive board of Delmarva Teen Challenge and has made 20 Teen Challenge mission trips to Ocho Rios, Jamaica.  His work there has involved the design and construction of an administrative building, numerous homes for local Jamaicans and a dormitory for missionaries.

Delmarva Christian High School opened its doors in 2004 as the only Sussex County private Christian high school alternative for families who wish to provide their children with a safe, high-quality, wholesome, values-oriented education. Although the entire DCHS facility was constructed during 2002-03, only 40% of the internal space was built-out.  In order to save costs and prepare for the future, the entire center section of the school was left unfinished.

“Since its inception the school has grown steadily, with annual increases in enrollment of 15-20%. This has created an urgent need to build-out additional space within the facility to serve at least another 200 students over the next few years.” said Robin James Chair, DCHS Board of Directors.

“We are delighted that Rusty has agreed to chair our campaign,” James said. “He brings high energy, a passion for Christian Education and years of excellent relations throughout the Sussex County region to this new assignment. As a parent of a DCHS student he understands the goals we are trying to achieve and is committed to our continued success.”

Dukes is equally pleased, stating that “I really look forward to being of help in the continued growth at DCHS. The exceptional education and personal development experienced by my son has been rewarding to watch and I feel it is my obligation to help others experience the same standards in education.”

Dukes is now recruiting his campaign leadership committee, which currently includes Marlene Elliott-Brown, Tim Smith, Duane Taylor, Steve Theis and Harriett Smith-Windsor. Dukes promises that “no stone will be unturned” in the course of the “Bridging the Gap” campaign, which is expected to last through fall of 2010.  “We want everyone in the region who cares about quality Christian education to have the chance to give generously to this very important effort,” he said. As of this date $145,000 has already been raised through private foundations and individual grants.