Connections
Margaret Mead once stated, "99 percent of the time that humans
have lived on this planet, we’ve lived in groups of 12 to 36 people.
Only in times of war does the nuclear family prevail because it is the
most mobile unit that can ensure the survival of the species. But for
the whole flowering of the human spirit, we need groups, tribes, and
community." All of us at CAMP Rehoboth have a mission to create a
safe community based on love, partnership and trust. In turn, all of us
in our community can live free of fear, oppression and violence and be
honored for our individual differences, ideas and contributions. CAMP
Rehoboth sees each individual as an invaluable and unique contributor to
that mission and a conduit toward creating a supportive and
growth-oriented environment. Although our mission and purpose as stated
in the beginning of each issue of Letters seems lengthy, it is simply
about meeting those basic human needs for love, safety, support and a
sense of belonging that each of us as human beings struggle to achieve.
So, it is fitting that the first issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth
that is published each year comes out around Valentine’s Day, a time
of love, sweet dreams and new beginnings. Let’s take this time to
acknowledge how lucky we are to be part of an organized community that
has accomplished so much and to celebrate the love of our partners and
friends. Spell it out with those tiny colored candy hearts that have
been a holiday tradition since the Civil War or simply say, "I love
you!"
With this issue of Letters, it is also my time to say "I love
you" and "thank you" to all of my "Sweethearts"
in the CAMP Rehoboth office and in our community who have been so
wonderful to me and have made my job so worthwhile. I am leaving my
position as CAMP Rehoboth’s Development Director to spend time with
family and to pursue personal and professional goals. But, I will always
be grateful for your friendship, support and love of community.
Founders’ Circle
And, speaking of "Sweethearts," there are 343 of them who
have donated an incredible $811,226.00 in membership pledges thus far in
the fourth year of our Founders’ Circle Capital Campaign. Whether they
have pledged $100.00 or $15,000.00, these individuals, businesses and
foundations have shown their dedication to community through their
generosity and willingness to participate. Every pledge made means that
we’re one step closer to our dream of creating a full-service
community center that will enable the GLBT community and the
community-at-large to work together to have rich and full lives.
Additionally, each "Sweetheart" realizes the benefits of
connections, creativity, love and support. The richness of our lives
allows us to achieve personal and community goals and it enhances human
happiness.
Remember, we can achieve much more in this life as a community than
we can as struggling individuals. So, join with your community today to
help achieve our $1,000,000.00 capital campaign goal by 2006. You can
make a tax-deductible contribution today by completing the pledge form
in this issue for a new membership or to upgrade your current
membership. CAMP Rehoboth is a 501(c)(3) organization and contributions
are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Your pledge will
help build a place where everyone will be welcomed. Making a pledge
during this five-year campaign ensures that your name or the name of a
loved one will be inscribed in our official Founders’ Circle records
and on the Wall of Founders as a Charter Member. Depending on the
membership level that you choose, your name will be on an actual part of
the Community Center (a brick, tile, door or room). Just for joining,
you will receive unique Community Center gifts as our way of saying
"thank you" and you’ll also receive an abundance of
connections and friendships. So, be a "Sweetheart," and help
us create a "loving" culture in which each of us will be in
touch with our environment and ourselves. Help us make a difference!
Pledge Form available in PDF format HERE
Andrea Andrus is the CAMP Rehoboth Development Director. She may
be reached by e-mail at andrea@camprehoboth.com,
or by calling 302-227-5620.
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