by Murray Archibald
The 1997 "high" season is, with the close of the Labor Day Weekend, officially over and we have moved into that gentler, kinder, and by many standards more beautiful, September shoulder season that Rehoboth locals cherish so much. Part of that good feeling for those of us involved with CAMP Rehoboth is the fact that we not only survived another SUNDANCE, but we had a great time doing it as welland in the process raised a net of over $114, 000. That total makes it the most successful SUNDANCE ever, and also pushes the SUNDANCE total for the last ten years over the half million dollar mark.
One of the most amazing things about SUNDANCE for me is the way so many people come together each year to make this huge production work smoothly. Somehow many of the same people keep coming back year after year to do the countless and often thankless jobs required to make this event happen. There are volunteers who only see each another once a yearon Labor Day Weekend when they gather to work on SUNDANCE. They come from Washington and Philadelphia, Baltimore, Rehoboth, and all points between. They come because not only is it a good cause but its also fun as well. Success is measured in a great many ways besides money, and I have but to look at all the hosts, sponsors, supporters, volunteers and auction donors who come together to make SUNDANCE happen, to know that something good is going on here.
It is not possible for us to thank all of the people who deserve a special mention for their hard work. In fact, I wouldnt dare try, not only because that list would take up the rest of this page but Id be sure to leave someone out. All of you know who you are and I hope you know how much it means to Steve and I, as well as SCAC and CAMP Rehoboth. As always, I am dazzled by the commitment, and energy and support that comes from every person who participated.
After all expenses have been paid, the SUNDANCE 97 total is over $114,000.
SUNDANCE has become a part of our lives. It has almost been around long enough to qualify as a real tradition. Yes, its a lot of work, but I hope its around for a long time to come. As most of you know by now since we talk about it every year is the fact that SUNDANCE was started ten years ago to celebrate Steves and my tenth anniversary. It was an incredible feeling SUNDANCE Sunday night, as I danced out into the happy crowd, to hear the good wishes and congratulations from so many members of our community. SUNDANCE started out as a celebration of love and commitment and though it has grown far beyond anything we could have imagined ten years ago, it remains a celebration of love and commitment today, and in ways far beyond our relationship. A moment ago I spoke about volunteers who show up every year, and hosts and sponsors who return every year. SUNDANCE has built a broad base over the years, and therein lies its success. It is still about commitment and love. We are committed to raising money for AIDS services, and we are committed to seeking human rights for all people. We are committed to celebrating positive, long term relationships and an open, caring gay and lesbian community that is a part of the larger community and not a separate entity.
It is no accident that SUNDANCE has become "the rainbow party." The rainbow is our symbol and it speaks to us about the value of every life. If one color is missing from the rainbow it breaks the order and disrupts the flow of color to color. Maybe it's cliche, but I believe in the rainbow. I believe in the diversity for which it stands. This year's SUNDANCE theme was RAINBOW REVIVAL. On that happy SUNDANCE Sunday night that I spoke about a moment ago, a friend suddenly appeared beside me on the dance floor. "It's happy," he exclaimed with his arms in the air, "I knew it would be happy," and he danced off into the night. "Jump shout hallelujah jubilation in the house," said the SUNDANCE invitation.
Yes it was happy! Thanks to everyone who helped to make it so.
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9/19/97 Issue. Copyright 1997 by CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. All rights reserved.