Paul Kares isn’t just a nonprofit — it’s a family that believes in the power of possibility. Founded by musician and chef Paul Cullen and community leader Jim Rivette, Paul Kares was created right here on Delmarva to lift up young people with dreams as big as their hearts.

Through your generosity, we’ve helped local students pursue culinary training, study music, and even travel abroad to learn from world-class mentors. Each scholarship we give is more than financial aid — it’s a message that says, we believe in you.

Think about what that means to a young chef who has never left Delaware before, or a high school musician who’s just been given their first professional instrument. You’re not just funding lessons or trips — you’re fueling dreams that could last a lifetime.

What makes Paul Kares so special is how simple it all feels: great food, great music, and great people coming together to make a difference. Every event, every donation, every shared story helps us grow this circle of care — one note, one meal, one dream at a time.

Receiving mentorship and encouragement, instruction and acquiring professional skills and techniques starting at a young age, are vital ingredients for success in the arts, especially in cooking and culinary pursuit. Paul Kares is dedicated to being a part of this developmental process.

A Series of Showcase Events - Music to Our Ears & Delighting Our Palates

This year, besides cooking classes, we're excited to host a bunch of Sunday Showcase Events that will spotlight some talented young bands from our area.

These events will offer mentoring on stage presence and production before they hit the stage, plus some handy tips and networking chances for those looking to break into the music entertainment scene.

The funds we raise from this campaign will help Paul Kares cover expenses like food products, facility rental, and support staff, as well as help us with costs for music workshops, including equipment, engineering, instrument rentals, and faculty fees.

Info Contact - Fran Simeone 302-588-5500

Paul Kares hosts fundraising events and solicits donations throughout the year to raise awareness and funds to enable us to fulfill our goal of assisting children who need financial support to attend educational seminars, workshops and classes in their chosen field or to purchase musical instruments and culinary/kitchen tools and equipment.

The nonprofit was founded by Paul Cullen, former bass player for the rock band Bad Company and now a successful Delmarva food, entertainment and wine entrepreneur. Reflecting on his own successful career and determined to find a way to give back to the community, in 2021 Paul and another Lewes entrepreneur, Jim Rivette, founded Paul Kares, Inc., to help fulfill their philanthropic dreams.

Our organization works with grade schools, high schools and other institutions and groups throughout the Delmarva region to identify qualified candidates who may become future recipients of Paul Kares scholarships and other financial awards. We will be especially looking to support children who are from low-to-moderate income circumstances. Learn more at paulkaresde.org.