SUNDANCE 99 Memories

Bob Ramsey shows off the glass AIDS Ribbon sculpture commissioned for the Auction by Something Special.

Before flying off for a European vacation, Letter’s columnist Fay Jacobs asked a few people about their SUNDANCE 99 experience.

John Sadler, co-owner of Abizak’s:

"When I see our furniture up on that stage. Of course, it’s great to give to the community, but it’s also our way of saying, "Thank You." to everyone—because they helped us get started. These folks were there for us from the very beginning, and I can’t think of a better way to help our Rehoboth community."

Peter Butcavage, CAMP Rehoboth Intern:

"I’ve always had to go back to school before Labor Day and missed SUNDANCE. This was my first time there, and it meant quite a lot to me—even though I was exhausted. Murray goes non-stop and everybody follows. I’m just amazed at what they put together in four days at the Convention Center."

Joyce Felton, Blue Moon proprietor (unloading equipment from the Convention Center):

"Well, it would have been easier if they’d had a kitchen!"

Lee Mills, artist and new Rehoboth resident:

"Artists are used to being asked to donate items, and I’ve donated before and thought it was wonderful. This year was special since I’m now having a house built here. The whole thing resonated more deeply with me. What an incredible party, such energy for the community!"

John Sanzone, co-owner of Something Special:

"SUNDANCE is the opportunity to give something back to the community. It’s a wonderfully worthwhile cause. And the increasing support every year shows how strongly people believe in the good work of SCAC and CAMP. And besides, going to the event is also a heck of a lot of fun!"

Kathy Weir, SUNDANCE volunteer coordinator:

"The volunteers are incredible. I love seeing all the people, who come together once a year for this one awesome weekend. They all seem to have their specific jobs. We work together, and it happens! And then there are the new people who show up to help each year, and somehow they just fall into the spaces exactly where they are needed. These volunteers give whatever time they can—an hour or two, or as with some people, days and weeks— just to be part of it. It’s very, very cool."

Eric Peterson, entertainer:

"More than anything, the SUNDANCE experience is humbling. Performing is fun, but applause can go to one’s head. Seeing the work that everyone was doing to prepare for the event was amazing, especially all of the things that Steve and Murray do to put this thing on. SUNDANCE is about the incredible achievements of others; it’s really inspiring. Although I do have to admit, the Tinky Winky routine was a lot of fun...a whole lot of fun."

Gladys Kravitz, Karaoke Queen and

CAMPsafe spokesmodel:

"SUNDANCE is kind of like Gay Christmas, with the gift going to the community! Steve and I love SUNDANCE because we get to see a whole lot of people we don’t get to see during the year. I especially had a great time dealing with the logistics of riding in a car with a big hat and tall hair. And I also love the Sunday afternoon second auction for the leftover items. I love to see the normally quiet Bob Ramsey come out of his shell and get the crowd going. He’s usually so shy; it’s amazing what being on stage does for some people!"

Liz Conner, marketing whiz kid:

"Thanks for having me be a part of SUNDANCE. I just love working on it. I’ve done work on lots of charity things before, but the love that is present at SUNDANCE is what makes it so unique."

Sondra Arkin, SUNDANCE Co-Chair and angel:

"SUNDANCE is about family. Being involved means supporting my friends, and by those six degrees of separation, everyone’s friends. There are people there that I see just once a year. We don’t really know what we all do in our lives outside of SUNDANCE, but while we’re there, we know what it’s like to roll up our sleeves and get up to our elbows in working for the community. It’s like a very special family, and so very much bigger than we are individually."