BETHANY BEACH, Del. - St. Martha’s Episcopal Church will host its 18th Annual International Students Welcome Picnic on June 24. A continued tradition of community and cultural exchange in Bethany Beach.
This year’s picnic will be held in memory of longtime organizer Bill Gay. Organizers say Gay's dedication and warmth helped shape the event into what many call a summer highlight. Gay coordinated the event for years. The goal of the event is to bring joy and comfort to hundreds of international students who come to the area each summer to work under the J-1 visa program, say organizers.
“Bill didn’t just plan a picnic,” said one team member. “He built a space where strangers became neighbors, and laughter and kindness crossed every language barrier.”
The free event welcomes all J-1 international students and features an American-style picnic dinner provided by more than 30 local businesses, desserts baked by St. Martha’s parishioners, games and free bike repairs courtesy of the ABC Bike Ministry of Mariners Bethel Global Methodist Church. Local leaders and first responders will also be present to offer safety tips.