Connections
What a wonderful month May has been! The grass and trees are bright
green once again. There are many different kinds of flowers blooming in
spectacular colors, some with fragrant scents that fill the air. Small
and large gardens are beginning to grow. And, above all, the sun is
shining brightly each day which warms our hearts and our souls. This
warmth and feeling of connection with nature also serves to nurture our
sense of community. We look forward to playing and working together
during the spring and summer months. At this time of year, CAMP Rehoboth
is busier than ever. We continue to build our garden community by
bringing people together from different parts of the community at large
through our activities, events and special programs. We work diligently
to better communicate with residents and visitors alike through more
frequent publications of Letters. CAMP staff works in partnership with
others in organizing and publicizing various and special fundraisers.
The CAMP courtyard is alive with people from all walks of life, enjoying
a myriad of activities. Some even visit the courtyard to plant flowers
and remove weeds so that our community’s home will be beautiful,
comfortable and safe. Be sure and take part in all that our community
has to offer. It just might be a life-changing experience!
Founders’ Circle
We have 256 wonderful gardeners who contributed at all levels to our
Founders’ Circle Capital Campaign garden. Their generous contributions
ensured that our community’s garden blossomed to $655,034 to date. As
you can see, it is developing beautifully but we need to ask others in
our community to help keep the garden growing so that it can reach full
bloom. Our goal is $1,000,000 over a five-year period that began in 2001
and will end in 2006.
How do we honor those who have generously made our garden grow? With
one of the most fabulous events of the year, our annual Founders’
Circle Black and White Beach Ball on Saturday, June 5, of course! This
sell-out event, held at the beautiful Atlantic Sands Hotel Ballroom each
year, has our community supporters strolling in dressed in casual black
and white (or variations on the theme) to enjoy an environment that is
warm and welcoming; delightful cocktails and hors d’oeuvres; beautiful
decor, and the soothing sounds of Peggy Raley. During the evening, we
will honor all of our current Founders’ Circle members and those of
you who decide to become new members. It’s also an opportunity to hear
more about our plans for the next two years as we finalize the redesign
of our Community Center space and begin the actual construction. This
event becomes even more energized by the entertaining and fast moving
HeART of the Community Art Auction. Our charming and dynamic auctioneer,
Chris Riss, keeps the event charged with a little bit of persuasion and
lots of humor. With works by 17 talented artists, there surely is a work
of art that will appeal to the art buyer in each of us. All proceeds
will benefit the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. It’s a win-win
situation as you invest in your community while also investing in a
piece of art for your home. To choose just the right artwork for you,
don’t miss the HeART of the Community Preview from May 24-June 4 and
the artists’ reception on Sunday, May 29, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at
CAMP Rehoboth. (Editors note: see page 6.)
We hope you will join the Founders’ Circle at some level of giving
before our Black and White Beach Ball, or at the event to help us
further energize our Capital Campaign. Why should you become a Founders’
Circle member? Building community gives all of us a sense of belonging;
a safe place to celebrate our diversity; a strong voice in what happens
within our community; and an incredible sense of accomplishment. In
response to specific needs voiced by our community, CAMP Rehoboth
developed CAMPsafe, women’s programs and services, and the Community
Center Project, among others. The Founders’ Circle Capital Campaign
also was established in direct response to the needs voiced by members
of our community. Many of you asked for a space, a place that is
welcoming and gives a sense of belonging to everyone. As the population
in Sussex County is growing, so will the population of the GLBT
community. As the area’s only GLBT community service organization, we
need to be able to adequately provide the necessary education,
information and resources for everyone. This requires all of us working
together to make things happen!
All you have to do is complete the Founders’ Circle pledge form
included in this issue of Letters and send it to the CAMP office. CAMP
Rehoboth is a 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax
deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Gifts may be paid in cash,
securities, or other property, including real estate. Pledge payments
may be paid annually, quarterly or monthly by check or credit card. When
you join, you will receive unique Community Center gift(s) and your name
will forever become part of the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. Your
name or the name of a loved one will be permanently inscribed in our
official Founders’ Circle records. Your name also will be included on
our recognition board displayed at the CAMP office and at major events.
Depending on the membership level, names will be inscribed on a brick, a
tile, a door or a room. If you are already a member, consider upgrading
your membership to a higher level, take advantage of your company’s
matching gift program or give a gift of membership to a friend or family
member. Or, ask your friends and family to join and become part our
community effort to promote cooperation and understanding among all
people.
As we cut the green ribbon of the rainbow at our fourth annual
Founders’ Circle Black and White Beach Ball, remember that we need
your support to keep the dream alive. So, on the magical evening of June
5, join us in celebration and pride and also join us as a member of our
esteemed Founders’ Circle. Partner with us so we will all flourish!
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