Comedian Mike Vecchione will be the featured entertainment Friday at the 16th Annual Charles Knox Memorial Scholarship Foundation Benefit at the Flanders Hotel.
A night on the town including a gourmet meal and beverages, a comedy show by the nationally-prominent Mike Vecchione, a DJ and dancing would most likely cost a lot more than $100. However, attendees at this Friday’s 16
th annual
Charles Knox Memorial Scholarship Foundation Benefit will enjoy all that and more for the cost of their ticket – and help a very worthy cause in the process.
The event to take place at the Flanders Hotel honors the life and memory of former Ocean City High School student Knox, and raises much-needed scholarship funds for worthy students. It will take place from 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, 2016.
In addition to the performance by Vecchionne, who has appeared on
Conan O’Brien and
Last Comic Standing, and the aforementioned features, there will also be a silent auction of goods and services including a paddle board donated by Harbor Outfitters, a cruiser bike from Annarelli’s Bicycle Store and Ocean City gift baskets of items and gift certificates from many other local businesses.
Knox was the stepson and son of Paul and Arlene Stryker, operators of the popular breakfast and lunch spot Arlene’s on Asbury. He tragically passed away in a car accident just over 17 years ago, but has had a lasting impact on all who knew him. Dozens of students have been provided scholarships, usually in the $3,000 range, totaling more than $150,000 over the years. Applicants fill out a form available at Ocean City High School and write a short letter expressing why they are seeking the financial aid. Paul and Arlene select the recipients based on their individual circumstances.
A computer whiz, Charles Knox was beginning to think about where he would pursue his higher education at the time of his death. “College was something he was starting to think about,” Paul Stryker said of his stepson. “Even though Charlie wasn’t able to pursue college himself, it is part of his legacy that young people he did not even know will benefit from this event.”
Knox’s biological father was Philadelphia police officer Charles Knox Sr., who was killed in the line of duty in 1992 when Charlie was just nine years old. Arlene and Paul then moved to Ocean City so their son would have the opportunity to attend a great high school.
“Charlie left a lot of great friends behind when we moved, but he was such a nice, outgoing and compassionate kid that he made friends here very easily,” Stryker said. “He was the type of kid who would do anything he possibly could to help someone. Many of his friends still come around to see us and make an effort to attend the benefit. That is the kind of impression he made on people.” Paul said the same holds true for many of the scholarship recipients who have stayed in touch and informed the couple about how the financial aid had opened up many opportunities. And for that reason, Paul said all of the hard work in putting the event together is worth it.
“The Benefit is a chance for people to come out and have a really great time, remember Charlie and help some people who can really use the help.”
Tickets for the event, $100 each, are still available, and donations to the scholarship fund are gratefully accepted. The best way to obtain the tickets or make a donation is to call Paul or Arlene at 399-3639 or to stop by the restaurant at 624 Asbury Avenue in Ocean City.
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