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Each day I am in awe at the number of people
who call or come into the CAMP office to inquire about our Community
Center and to ask how they can help. Many of these individuals volunteer
their time working on events, event mailings, and even landscaping the
area so it will be attractive and inviting to all visitors. Many of
those same individuals as well as others dig deeply into their pockets
to join with us as members of the Founders’ Circle Capital Campaign or
to upgrade their current memberships. They believe in what we are
working so hard to do each day and, that is, to build a strong community
that celebrates diversity, friendship and inclusiveness. Recently, we
received a heartwarming note with a generous Founders’ Circle
membership pledge. I would like to share the message with you because it
does show the outpouring of appreciation and love that comes from our
dedicated and wonderful community.
"For CAMP Rehoboth…for all you’ve done and continue to do
for the Gay and Lesbian community in Rehoboth Beach and its influence
around the country." —Pat Antonisse (Given in memory of Patty
Cramer)
We at CAMP Rehoboth are not just a group of people working in an
office, pushing paper around and watching the clock. Instead, we are a
group of people who work in a true community service environment with a
mission to promote cooperation and understanding among all people. Each
person who contacts us or comes through our door is treated with dignity
and respect and we always go the extra mile to help each and every
person who has a problem. Every day we focus on our mission to raise
funds for other organizations; network resources and information;
promote artistic expressions and creative thinking; provide education
and outreach; and promote political awareness. It’s a lot of work to
keep everything organized and moving forward while providing excellent
service to anyone who walks through our door but we are very committed
to our mission and purpose.
Through the generosity of nearly 200 individuals in our community who
joined the Founders’ Circle, we were able to reach the $500,000
milestone a couple of weeks ago—halfway to our $1,000,000 goal. As of
this issue of Letters, we have received $519,503 in membership pledges.
This is a 56% increase in membership pledges since August of 2002. We
are on a roll and still going strong!
As a community, we need to keep the momentum going. We will research
grants and write grant proposals as well as create corporate and
business partnership programs but we need the help of each and every one
of you who are the voices in our community. We need you to act as our
ambassadors and encourage your friends and family to join us on this
journey to build a safe place for all. Over the next several weeks, I
will be organizing a Founders’ Circle Committee of between 8 to 10
individuals. These individuals, both Founders’ Circle members and
nonmembers, will work with me to develop unique and creative ways of
raising funds for our Capital Campaign. We believe that all information
and feedback is imperative to our success so it is important to hear
from nonmembers. There is already interest being shown by individuals
who want to be on this committee. If you are interested, please contact
me at the CAMP office.
On Saturday, August 16, 2003, CAMP Rehoboth will host a Founders’
Circle Open House at the CAMP office and courtyard. It will be an
opportunity for members and nonmembers to socialize and hear about our
plans for the "heart of the community." Look for final details
in the next issue of Letters but in the meantime be sure and put the
date on your calendar or in your Palm Pilot.
Remember—just by calling me or completing the pledge form in this
issue, you can join the Founders’ Circle or upgrade your current
membership to a higher level. We also invite you to give a gift of
membership to a friend or family member for a special occasion or simply
to send the message that they are also a special part of our community.
You also may want to take advantage of your company’s matching gift
program. It is an easy process that just takes some coordination between
all of us. Contact me if you have any questions. CAMP Rehoboth is a
501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax deductible to the
fullest extent of the law.
What a program! By joining the Founders’ Circle, you help us build
a stronger community. Your membership pledge is tax deductible and is
eligible for matching gift programs. By joining within the five-year
Capital Campaign, you’re a Charter Member, and at some levels, a
Lifetime Member. And on top of that, you receive special membership
gifts and recognition.
So, don’t walk, run to the phone or to our office and make a pledge
today to help "build" our community!
Pledge Form available in PDF format HERE
Andrea
Andrus may be reached at 302-227-5620, or by e-mail at andrea@camprehoboth.com.
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