Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation

Home
United States
Dewey Beach, DE
Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation

Directions Website Contact the organization

There is broad consensus in Delaware that we need a more entrepreneurial economy and more entrepreneurs — both for profit and non profit.

Rooted in Delaware's innovative spirit, the PDFF provides the strategic support needed to realize entrepreneurs' bold visions, honoring Pete du Pont's legacy of free enterprise by fostering access to the marketplace for every entrepreneur and their ideas. The Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation is expanding on the ideals and legacy of Governor Pete du Pont by promoting, encouraging, and facilitating bold ideas to better the state of Delaware. We are embracing this goal and working to bring such an economy to life. We hold two primary events each year, the Pete du Pont Freedom Award and the Reinventing Delaware Dinner. The Pete du Pont Freedom Award honors one of Delaware's most distinguished leaders. As Congressman, Governor, Presidential candidate, scholar, spokesman and writer, Pete du Pont has been a national leader in the celebration and preservation of individual freedom. The award is given to an accomplished world citizen who, like Pete, has made a life long commitment to preserving and enhancing individual freedoms. The Reinventing Delaware Dinner series is designed to identify and match like-minded ideas with others in the community to stimulate interest and generate dialogue to advance our state. Leaders from the business and financial sector, along with heads of charitable organizations, academia and the entrepreneurial community are to present an idea to advance Delaware in the next five years. Work committees are then formed to expand and implement on these ideas to help advance Delaware. It is our desire to expand upon the dialogue from this series and energize individuals and organizations to look toward the future of our state. We are proud of the State of Delaware and eager to see it reach new heights! We invite you to like us here on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, .

09/25/2026

Last night was a powerful reminder of how far great leadership can reach.

Before a full house at the Hotel du Pont, we had the honor of presenting Terry and Sandy Strine with the 2026 Pete du Pont Freedom Award.

As longtime friends of Governor du Pont, Terry and Sandy took his belief in principled leadership, service, and investing in people and built something that continues to multiply. Through Leadership Delaware, their influence now extends across hundreds of alumni who are leading businesses, organizations, government, and communities throughout our region.

As Sandy shared last night, “This award means everything to us, Leadership Delaware and the growing community of fellows and alumni of LDI.”

The room reflected that impact — vibrant, joyful, and filled with people whose lives and leadership have been touched by Terry and Sandy’s vision.

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, members, guests, the Hotel du Pont team, and everyone who helped make the evening possible.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating a legacy of leadership that continues to grow through the people it inspires.

We look forward to sharing more moments from an unforgettable evening soon.

09/24/2026

E3 Member Spotlight: Automation Xcel

Automation Xcel is an AI education and workforce development training company that helps individuals, professionals, and small businesses develop the digital and AI skills needed in today’s economy.

Through AI training, digital literacy programs, workforce readiness support, and business automation workshops, participants learn to build efficient workflows, increase productivity, save time, and confidently use technology in the workplace or their businesses.
Automation Xcel’s mission is to close the digital skills gap by ensuring that people and businesses are prepared for the future of work. Through accessible education and hands-on training, the company helps participants use technology with confidence, adapt to workplace changes, and create new opportunities for themselves and their communities.

Learn more about Automation Xcel: https://hubs.la/Q04xpT9H0

09/23/2026

We look forward to welcoming all of our registered guests to the 2026 Pete du Pont Freedom Award tomorrow evening as we celebrate Terry and Sandy Strine.

This year’s event is at full capacity, so we kindly ask that only registered guests and sponsors attend.

Thank you to everyone who is helping make this year’s celebration so special. We’re grateful for your support and look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

09/21/2026

We're excited to bring you our next webinar: Beyond AI, Algorithms and Instagram featuring our newest SPAN member, Lori Seaman, founder of Inflection.

New platforms appear every day. Algorithms change by the minute. And AI is reshaping how businesses work, market and compete. And while all this is happening, small business owners are being told from every direction that they need to keep up.

But keeping up is not the same as growing. And that’s what this talk is all about.

Learn more and sign up now: https://hubs.la/Q04xpVQ60

09/18/2026

The 2026 Pete du Pont Freedom Award is officially SOLD OUT!

Thank you to everyone who is supporting this year's event! We look forward to celebrating Terry and Sandy with you all on Thursday at the Hotel DuPont!

09/17/2026

SPAN Member Spotlight: Curucaye

Curucaye helps small businesses offload tedious, time-consuming, operational work through flexible, month-to-month subscription services for accounting, technology, marketing, and virtual assistants. We work with our clients as genuine partners, not just a vendor, and we always leave them better off than when the engagement began. Our team, many of whom are active in humanitarian work, operate as trained "BOSS Navigators" who take initiative and align closely with the goals of the businesses they support. Backed by a 5-star customer rating and 45+ years of entrepreneurial experience, we help owners work on their business, instead of just in it.

Learn more about our Service Provider network: https://hubs.la/Q04xpLDF0

09/16/2026

Delaware’s next great company may still be an idea.

Do you have a conceptual for-profit business idea that could create jobs, strengthen Delaware’s economy, or help grow industries critical to our future? We want to hear it.

We are seeking ideas for the 12th Annual Reinventing Delaware Dinner on November 18 at the Wilmington Club, where entrepreneurs, C-suite leaders, investors, and changemakers come together to explore ideas with the potential to move Delaware forward.

This year, we are particularly interested in ideas that can advance economic development in areas including technology, biosciences, and for-profit social enterprise. And the Dinner is only the beginning. The strongest ideas can move into the year-long Reinventing Delaware process, where leaders and subject-matter experts help test, refine, connect, and advance them toward implementation.

Have an idea Delaware should be building? Tell us about it: https://hubs.la/Q04vjJhm0

09/15/2026

Terry and Sandy Strine's commitment to their community has been the highlight of their career. As our board chair, Thère du Pont, puts it, Terry's limitless energy and Sandy's warmth have made positive impacts not only to fellows of Leadership Delaware, but to everyone they have touched across their endeavors.

We are pleased to honor Terry and Sandy Strine as this year's recipients of the Pete du Pont Freedom Award. Join us in celebrating their recognition. Registration is limited, secure your seat now: https://hubs.la/Q04xpCbC0

09/14/2026

Entrepreneurs grow faster when they have access to experienced leaders, strong networks, and the right resources.

That is what Kevin Dombrowski, Partner at Grey Fox Wealth Advisors, brings to PDFF as a member of Pete’s 100 and our Board of Directors.

Kevin understands what it takes to build and grow a business. Grey Fox Wealth Advisors was recently recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies in the Philadelphia region, and he brings that same growth mindset to his work with PDFF.

Through Pete’s 100, leaders like Kevin help strengthen the network surrounding Delaware entrepreneurs and contribute to a stronger environment for businesses to start, grow, and create opportunity.

We’re grateful for Kevin’s leadership and continued investment in our mission.

Pete’s 100 brings together business leaders carrying forward Governor du Pont’s legacy by investing their experience, relationships, and resources in entrepreneurs and the future of private enterprise.

Learn more: https://hubs.la/Q04vKBTg0

09/10/2026

E3 Member Spotlight: Holding Hands

Holding Hands is more than a home services company—it’s a company built around compassion, trust, and making life a little easier.

Based in Delaware, Holding Hands supports senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, wounded veterans, and homeowners with everything from accessibility modifications and full remodels to home repairs, painting, cleaning, real estate, and even everyday technology needs. Their philosophy is simple: if it helps someone feel more comfortable, safe, or at home, they’re ready to lend a hand.

The heart behind Holding Hands is deeply personal. Founder-inspired by growing up alongside a brother with disabilities who later passed away from related complications, the company was built from firsthand experience with the challenges families face—and the difference that compassion, patience, and dependable support can make.

Through Holding Hands and the Holding Hands Homes Real Estate Team, the mission is to help people feel safe, supported, and cared for through every stage of homeownership.

What truly sets Holding Hands apart is the way they treat their clients. Whether they’re installing a wheelchair ramp, remodeling a bathroom, helping someone buy or sell a home, or simply helping set up a new iPhone, they take the time to listen, understand each person’s unique needs, and go the extra mile.

No job is too big or too small. At the end of the day, Holding Hands hopes clients remember not only the work they completed, but how they made them feel: valued, supported, and cared for.

Address

1301 Coastal Hwy
Dewey Beach, DE
19971

Website

http://petedupontfreedomfoundation.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation:

Want your organization to be the top-listed non profit organization in Dewey Beach?