CAMP Connect

We are counting them down! Since the last issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center has been hopping with two more events that are perennial favorites in our community.

On July 14th, Splash ’07 was held. Again this year, members of the community came through to support the event with sponsorships, auction items and attendance. It proved to be a very beneficial evening—attendees had an entertaining night out and the money raised will make a real difference to the budgets of Safe Haven, the Wellness Community and CAMP Rehoboth.

The ultimate "Let’s Put on a Show" event, Follies 2007: Fruit Cocktail took place on July 21st and was quickly judged by long-time supporters as "the best one yet!" Competing troupes varied from members of the Women’s Golf League to the Metropolitan Community Church to groups of Rehoboth Beach friends and neighbors. The Washington, DC group, Charter Theater’s presentation of "Not My Holiday" won the coveted Gold Barbie with Victoria’s Secrets grabbing the Silver Barbie and coming in a very close second for their "Show Tunes, Politics and Fun" skit. "The Sisters of Perpetual Need" from MCC danced off with the Bronze Barbie.

For me, some of the high points of the evening were one skits’ look into the future to January 20, 2009 and the inauguration of Hillary Rodham Clinton as President of the United States, sworn in by our own Chief Justice, Tony Burns. Another high was Christopher Peterson’s rendition of "And I’m Telling You I’m Not Goin" from Dreamgirls. (He deserved every minute of his standing ovation.) And who knew that Sandra Skidmore had such a beautiful soprano voice?

As good as the participants and committees are who create these affairs, the true success depends on you. The folks who come out to support not just the event but the community are an integral part of the equation.

Recently, I have found myself wondering why more community members do not realize that the key to a truly GREAT community is participation. Once you buy local; attend hometown events; provide support through sponsorships and in-kind contributions; serve on committees for local agencies; or run for public office, you will realize how very many citizens of Rehoboth Beach already have made the commitment to improve their community. You will also find out how rewarding and empowering it is. Fun is a side benefit!

Founders’ Circle

Phase Two of the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center remains on schedule with the ceremonial groundbreaking to take place in the CAMP Courtyard on August 18th. Recent payments have resulted in the Founders’ Circle totals reaching $1,372,703.60 pledged and $1,103,247.37 contributed. CAMP Rehoboth’s board of directors, the staff, and our building committee appreciate your generosity.

For those of you who really like to plan ahead, as of our release date of July 27, 2007, there are 156 days until Starburst Gayla on New Year’s Eve. Mark your calendars and hold on until November to call for tickets. With the event falling on a Monday night, why not make it a great long weekend!