2026 Kandler Celebration

October 22, 2026
6:00pm - 9:00pm (ET)

In-Person

The Carriage House at Rockwood Park
4671 Washington Street Extension,
Wilmington, DE, 19809, US

Graphic rendering of the statue of liberty to the right of text that reads "2026 KANDLER"

Summary


The people are marching, the people are loud, we’re done being silenced — and we will not bow!

The joy democracy-defenders feel when we are all in a room together is palpable. Help us to build that energy by sponsoring this year’s Kandler Celebration. As a community of activists, we do not want cost to be a barrier to anyone in our community who would like to join us in celebration of our mission and community initiatives. Every sponsorship allows us to welcome all community members to celebrate together because when we work together, we win together, and democracy needs us now.

Join us in celebrating our collective community action with an evening of hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and an online silent auction to support civil liberties work in Delaware!

Each year, we remember Gerry Kandler, former president of ACLU Delaware, and honor those who exemplify his tireless commitment to the defense of all Delawareans’ civil liberties.

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!


SILENT AUCTION COMING SOON!

Whether or not you attend the Kandler Celebration, we welcome you to celebrate with us by checking out the silent auction!


Join us in celebrating our collective community by sponsoring the 2026 Kandler Celebration!

The ACLU-DE needs your support in our pursuit of justice. Sponsorships will ensure any member of the community can celebrate with us. We offer a variety of tiers from the $250 Watchdog Sponsorship to the $5000 Protector of Freedom. All sponsorships will support the ACLU-DE's mission to build a Firewall for Freedom in the First State that protects our most vulnerable through legal action, legislation, and advocacy.

The deadline to be listed as a Sponsor on printed materials is October 1.


Thank you to our sponsors for making this year's celebration possible:

PARTNER IN JUSTICE

Ariel & Ben Gruswitz
David & Sally McBride
Planned Parenthood of Delaware

ADVOCATE

John Bahnsen & Wesley Stefanick
Larry & Marion Hamermesh
Highmark
Elizabeth McGeever
Grace & Blair Messner
Norman Monhait & Marcia Halperin
Tom & Judy Pappenhagen
Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor
WSFS

CHAMPION

Mike & Katie Brickner
Steve & Lisa Close
Chuck & Janice Durante
Friends of Mara Gorman
Thomas Foley
Brian Kandler
Kathi Karsnitz
Katherine Mills
Marie Oakberg

WATCHDOG

Elizabeth Allen
Ted Killheffer
Philip & Deborah Krape
Donald and Ethel Parsons
Vinny and Paula Randazzo
Speak Out Against Hate (SOAH)
Mary Wheeling & Dave White


Donations are appreciated but not required to attend.

For questions, or if you need accessibility accommodations to attend, reach out to Melissa Connelly at [email protected].