On November 21, 2024, the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation (PDFF) celebrated a decade of innovative ideas and economic transformation at the 10th Anniversary Reinventing Delaware Dinner.
Founded in 2014, the Reinventing Delaware Dinner serves as the annual launchpad for the Reinventing Delaware competition. Each year, the event gathers visionaries, business leaders, community stakeholders, and creative minds from across Delaware to collaborate and share innovative ideas that drive economic development and enhance the state as a place to live, work, and raise a family.
This year was no exception. Throughout the evening, the inspirational energy was palpable as we heard ideas ranging from aeroponic farming solutions to workforce development in social media marketing, creating a unified Wilmington school district, youth outreach initiatives, and more.
Brian DiSabatino, CEO of EDiS Company and chairman of the Delaware Business Roundtable served as this event’s first-ever honorary Reinventing Delaware Dinner host. We also heard from PDFF Board Chair Thére du Pont and former board member Scott Malfitano, who originally envisioned the event as a tribute to the former governor’s legacy and entrepreneurial spirit.
Idea of the Decade: Zip Code Wilmington
As a special surprise commemorating all of the exceptional ideas that have emerged from Reinventing Delaware over the past ten years, PDFF was thrilled to honor Zip Code Wilmington as the program’s inaugural Idea of the Decade.
This recognition marked a full-circle moment for Reinventing Delaware, as Zip Code was the first idea to be selected following the first competition in 2014. Championed by Ben du Pont and led by Desa Burton, the program educates students in the programming languages and skills that employers are demanding, giving them the skills needed to secure successful careers in software development.
While the Reinventing Delaware Dinner has launched many outstanding ideas and businesses, Zip Code Wilmington stands out for its dedication to supporting job creation and the economic development of the greater Wilmington Region. Since its inception, the program has helped 75% of graduates secure jobs within 12 months at an average annual salary of $83,478.
10th Anniversary Dinner
Each year, 100 innovators are invited to the Reinventing Delaware Dinner, with at least one-third of the participants representing public idea submissions. This year, the number of public submissions set a record.
In celebration of the dinner’s 10th anniversary, the event returned to The Wilmington Club, a historic clubhouse in downtown Wilmington where it originally began. The evening also introduced a new element: two tables were selected to participate in an experimental challenge. Participants at these tables were tasked with addressing specific issues, including workforce development, attracting younger talent to Delaware, and elevating the state’s brand. Each table brainstormed innovative solutions and voted on their favorite ideas, resulting in ten table winners competing for the coveted title of Top Idea of the Night.
Richard Forsten, a Partner at Saul Ewing LLP, earned the title of Top Idea of the Night with his proposal to establish a school district specifically for the City of Wilmington. His idea focused on reducing the hours students spend commuting in and out of the city for busing and addressing barriers that prevent parents from actively engaging with their children’s schools, such as unreliable transportation. Other notable ideas included advancing green aviation, forming a women’s health coalition, and promoting sustainable farming.
Following this year’s dinner, a committee will review all 100 ideas presented to determine which will advance to the Reinventing Delaware program for further vetting. The standout ideas will participate in a robust five-month development process, valued at over $25,000 in consulting and capacity-building support. At the end of this journey, one idea will be named the 2025 Reinventing Delaware Winner and awarded $15,000 to bring their concept to life.
Join Us in Shaping Delaware’s Future
Sponsorship opportunities are available for Reinventing Delaware 2025. Sponsorships go beyond the dinner – they sustain the robust idea development process that continues through 2025, helping turn visionary concepts into thriving enterprises. Your sponsorship support will be recognized all year long, culminating in the announcement of the 2025 winner.
If sponsorship isn’t the right fit, donations are always welcome. Every dollar directly benefits PDFF’s mission to promote our country’s spirit of private enterprise by fostering access to the marketplace for every entrepreneur and their ideas.