Fundraiser for Giddens' Do-Drop Inn, Weirwood, VA

2022 will mark the 55th anniversary of Giddens' Legendary Do-Drop Inn of Weirwood, Virginia, one of the oldest Black-owned businesses on the Eastern Shore of Virginia (ESVA). (Watch this inspiring VIDEO to learn more about its history and present!)

 

We are raising $250,000 for upgrades and improvements to the Do-Drop Inn to ensure a healthy and safe recovery post-pandemic, and to preserve an important historical landmark and gathering place on the ESVA. 

All funds will go directly to "Mama" Jane Giddens Cabarrus, proprietor of the Do-Drop Inn and youngest daughter of founders Lloyd Henry Giddens and Annie Maude Baines Giddens. Your much appreciated donation will be used for:

Giddens’ Legendary Do-Drop Inn was built on prayer and determination by Lloyd Henry Giddens and Annie Maude Baines Giddens, and opened for business on July 18, 1967 in Weirwood, Virginia. The Do-Drop Inn is renowned for providing an inclusive business, community center, and adopted home for entertainment, cultural activities, charitable services, volunteer groups like 25+ years of students from Boston College, and private events.

 

What began as a dream to provide a safe place for the Black community to gather and enjoy a good time, became a homebase for music legends like Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup; The Crudup Brothers (Malibus); Black Elvis; Jazz Saxophonist J. Plunky & Oneness; Burleigh Strand & The All-Stars (Mr. B and the Boys.); recording artists William Bell and the late Roy C; and many other local and regional bands throughout the years.

 

Your donation will honor and preserve a beloved and critical piece of Black history, ESVA history, and American history. Join us in giving back to Mama Jane and the Giddens Family, who have spent their lives giving to others and running the Do-Drop Inn in pursuit of creating community, promoting justice and equity, improving public health and access to resources, and spreading unity and joy.


Learn more about the Legendary Do-Drop Inn, and its equally Legendary proprietor, "Mama" Jane Giddens Cabarrus:

 

"Do-Drop Inn: Decades of serving soul food and respect"; Delmarva Now; reported by Hillary T. Chessen; published 3/6/17; https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/virginia/2017/03/06/giddens-do-drop-inn/98309826/

 

"A Tribute to the Giddens' Do-Drop Inn"; Shore Daily News.com; reported by Lisa Godley; published 9/20/18; https://shoredailynews.com/headlines/a-tribute-to-the-giddens-do-drop-inn/

 

"An Eastern Shore Landmark: Do-Drop Inn, Please"; The New Journal and Guide; reported by Leonard E. Colvin; published 9/21/18;

https://thenewjournalandguide.com/an-eastern-shore-landmark-do-drop-inn-please/

 

"Northampton's Do-Drop Inn marks 50 Years"; 13 News Now; reported by Carol Vaughn; published 9/24/18; https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/virginia/eastern-shore/northamptons-do-drop-inn-marks-50-years/291-597628508

 

"Curate 757 Presents: The Do-Drop Inn"; WRHO Public Media; published 12/26/18; https://mediaplayer.whro.org/program/curate-757/e/do-drop-inn-qtlqem

 

"The Do-Drop Inn is an important cultural landmark and historically safe gathering place for African Americans on the Eastern Shore. From its beginnings during the Civil Rights Movement, the patrons of the Do-Drop have witnessed momentous historical events over their lifetimes, and the Do-Drop has come to represent a pillar of the community for many reasons. This series captures and preserves those memories to keep them alive for the benefit of future generations of the community and beyond." - "Born at the Do-Drop Inn: An Oral History"; WRHO Public Media; reported by Lisa Godley; published 4/18/19 https://mediaplayer.whro.org/program/dodropinn

 

"SHORE PERSPECTIVES: Jane Cabarrus"; 103 The Shore; published 12/8/19; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6TtnIe1bEw

 

"Do-Drop Inn Opens Doors to Distribute COVID-19 Care Packages"; Eastern Shore Post; reported by Stefanie Jackson; published 8/20/20; https://www.easternshorepost.com/2020/08/20/do-drop-inn-opens-doors-to-distribute-covid-19-care-packages/

 

Folder of Photos from throughout the years.


THANK YOU!