Lewes-Rehoboth Hundred in Rehoboth Beach in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Our Story and the Inspiration of Uncle David's Ice Cream
Boardwalk Buddy Walk
| — | Educate | Advocate | Celebrate | — |
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 29, 2026
1. Our Story and the Inspiration of Uncle David's Ice Cream Marker
David Samson was born in the US Canal Zone in Panama on January 7, 1952. David had five siblings and with the love and support of his family, he was able to overcome numerous challenges throughout his life. They moved to Florida when he was 14. David attended special schools in Panama and Florida but did not have the opportunities that individuals with Down syndrome have today. David was the core of the family, even as his siblings eventually left home, and he was in the able care of his brother and his elderly mother. David's great ability was to appreciate the important things in life, like butterflies and bowling, nieces and nephews, and ice cream. He knew more about love, generocity, and appreciation than most typical men.
After his mother passed in 2006, his sister, Sharonlee, invited him to Rehoboth Beach and the family created the Boardwalk Buddy Walk to welcome him here. David returned every year for the walk until travel was too difficult for him and eventually
this page online
The Boardwalk Buddy Walk (BWBW) continues to raise awareness for people with Down syndrome every year on the Saturday of Columbus Day weekend. Since 2006, the BWBW Fund has raised over one million dollars. Proceeds from the walk are contributed to organizations that provide educational, occupational, and recreational opportunities to people with Down syndrome.
In 2002, The Board of Directors of the Boardwalk Buddy Walk committed funds toward the creation of the Uncle David's Ice Cream Shop and Mobile Catering program. Uncle David's Ice Cream features Hopkins Farm's Creamery Ice Cream, scooped, packaged, and served by individuals with Down syndrome.
Thank you David!!!
Erected by Boardwalk Buddy Walk.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. A significant historical date for this entry is January 7, 1952.
Location. 38° 42.962′ N, 75° 5.048′ W. Marker is in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is in Lewes-Rehoboth Hundred. It is on Rehoboth Avenue (Delaware Route 1A) west of City Hall Drive, on the right when traveling
Regionally, this marker is on Delaware’s Beaches. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, on the Delmarva Peninsula, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Walk the Boards (within shouting distance of this marker); Walk the Boards / Greetings from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rehoboth Beach Public Library (about 300 feet away); The Anna Hazzard House (about 300 feet away); The Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company (about 400 feet away); Public School in Rehoboth Beach (about 500 feet away); Delaware's Medal of Honor Recipients (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rehoboth Beach.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 31, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
