Open House at CAMP Rehoboth
Join us at CAMP Rehoboth on Thursday, February 15, 4:00-6:00 p.m., for an open house. Over the course of the past several months, CAMP Rehoboth has undergone several major renovations, including new carpeting, ceilings, solar panels, and an upgraded light and sound system, among others. Renovations have been made possible by the Community Reinvestment Fund’s Bond Bill, from which CAMP Rehoboth was allocated $460,000 over the past two fiscal years. These projects will not only provide a more welcoming environment for the community center’s programs and services, but they will also allow CAMP Rehoboth to be more sound, safe, and sustainable.
CAMP Rehoboth cordially invites its rainbow members—and all community members interested in seeing the facelift—to join us for light refreshments, tours, and a chance to enjoy the refreshed environment. ▼
Mark Your Calendars! DoMore24
Do More 24 Delaware is an annual 24-hour online fundraiser, designed as a fun and easy way for the entire community to participate in philanthropy and benefit nonprofits serving Delaware. This year, Do More 24 will occur from 6:00 p.m. on March 7 to 6:00 p.m. on March 8. Along with other local non-profits, CAMP Rehoboth will be participating in this fundraiser. Keep CAMP Rehoboth in your giving plans and check our social media and website for more information on how donations made during the 24-hour period will make a difference. ▼
Toy/Clothing Drive Update
When CAMP Rehoboth, the CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program (CROP), and the Rehoboth Beach Bears partnered for the annual Toy & Clothing Drive, the community once again answered in a resounding way.
This year, there were five recipient organizations: ACE Peer Resource Center, Sussex Wellness Center, Orgullo Delaware, Lighthouse for Broken Wings, Community Resource Center; also benefiting was a special family with needs.
Across multiple events and donation centers at Above the Dunes, Aqua Bar & Grill, the Auto Gallery of Delaware, CAMP Rehoboth, The Pines, and Freddie’s Beach Bar, this year’s successful drive yielded: 471 toys; 207 hats, gloves and scarves; 93 coats; and 68 adult clothes and shoes.
Additionally, this year, CAMP Rehoboth community members donated items for 31 youth active at West Side New Beginnings. ▼
GMCW Dazzles with SELFIEs
On Saturday, January 13, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington (GMCW) delivered three performances of their “SELFIES” cabaret. With 12 soloists and an accompanist, heartwarming stories set the stage for moving and hilarious renditions of contemporary classics and original songs.
Missed this round of performances? CAMP Rehoboth and the GMCW have already penciled in next year’s cabaret date: Saturday, January 18, 2025. ▼
Photo credit: Peter Pizzolongo.
Women’s FEST Passes, Tickets, and Sports!
Women’s FEST is taking over Rehoboth Beach from April 25-28, 2024. Watch throughout this month for many more announcements from the dedicated FEST Committee about the developing lineup of activities. Meanwhile, for a sneak peek, visit page 46.
Once again, FEST Sports events will go on sale first. Then, FEST Passes and all event tickets will follow, closer to the end of February. As a benefit to CAMP Rehoboth rainbow members, advance tickets will go on sale exclusively to members for a limited time before becoming available to the general public. Stay tuned to the website and the Women’s FEST Facebook page for continual updates. ▼
On the Cover: Meet Tiffanni Felder
Tiffanni Felder is the first cover star for Letters’ volume 34! Also known as Princess Escade, her name appropriately announces her royalty status; Princess is an influential figure in the local LGBTQ+ community.
In January 2023, Princess began her reign as Miss Gay Wilmington by winning the pageant (of the same name) at Crimson Moon. Last month, Princess relinquished her crown to 2024’s title winner—Rehoboth Beach’s own Diamond Doll.
“I enjoyed my reign as Miss Gay Wilmington. I was able to use the platform to meet a lot of beautiful people and gain some family, and I got to express myself through entertaining,” said Felder.
As an out-and-proud trans Black woman, Tiffanni’s performances are powerful and empowering. Plus, she witnessed transferable value from her pageant skills. “Because of pageantry I have a different outlook on life when it pertains to being professional and looking the part at all times.”
When she’s not competing, Tiffanni has been working on charting a better future for the LGBTQ+ community in central Delaware. Citing the lack of resources available to trans and LGBTQ+ community members in Camden and Dover, Felder was motivated to open The First State Outreach Center (TFSOC) in 2021. The nonprofit will look to offering services like HIV/STI testing, support groups, transportation services, fellowship, and fun events.
Felder had to pause the center’s development to look after her 14-year-old daughter and to find a grant writer who could help secure organizational funding. Regardless, Felder shared that her passion lies in bettering the lives of the local LGBTQ+ community. Given that spark, readers should note TFSOC as a resource to watch. Be sure to follow TFSOC on Facebook for further updates. ▼
Membership Listing Set to Publish Seasonally
With a new year comes new changes: moving forward, the CAMP Rehoboth Rainbow Membership listing will be published three times per year. The listing will be published seasonally—with the first full listing slated for April 2024.
Rainbow members will continue to enjoy the following benefits: advance notice of ticket sales to CAMP Rehoboth events, rainbow level colored member window cling(s), the weekly “What’s Happening at CAMP Rehoboth” email, a discount on CAMP Rehoboth event tickets for levels green and above (as requested), and the satisfaction of knowing that your membership helps CAMP further its mission to promote cooperation and understanding as we continue to build a safer community with room for all. ▼
– Travels with Letters –
Olivia Punta Cana Resort
Rehoboth Women, October 2023
Viking River Cruises | RHINE RIVER
Black Forest Day—Breitnau, Germany