LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
This Saturday, July 18, 5:00-9:00 p.m., Peter Rosenstein and the Staff at the Blue Moon will once again be asking happy hour patrons to make a contribution to the Whitman-Walker Clinic. This is the sixth year of this gentle fundraiser that has managed, to date, to raise a total of over $20,000. Although Peter suggests a $5 to $25 donation, as a special incentive BMG records will give a copy of its new Double CD, Ultimate Broadway, to anyone contributing $40 or more. Actually, even as I write, Im listening to my copy of that CD. Most of you who are acquainted with me know that I can at times be somewhat of a ham (believe it or not!) and what better inspiration than Broadway. And this ones got em allfrom Oklahoma to Rent. At this moment the original cast of Carousel is lifting me out of my chair as they sing "Youll Never Walk Alone." (Wheres my spotlightmy costumemy microphone!?) Speaking of never walking alone (see how I worked that one in) its SUNDANCE time again. Each year Im amazed all over again by all the people who come together to help us make this Labor Day fundraiser the huge success that it has become. Last year, if you remember, we raised over $114,000, and to do that it always takes a great many people "walking" together. We have already begun mailing sponsor packages, and within the next week the host letters will followand soon after that auction information and requests for volunteers. If you have never been involved with SUNDANCE, you may not receive information about being a host or supporter or sponsor, but we would like for you to be included. To have your name added to the mailing list please stop by the CAMP office, or call me at 302-227-5620. Budweiser, one of the official Sponsors of SUNDANCE 98, will be helping to kick off the drive for hosts with body painting at the Blue Moon on Saturday, July 18. Its always exciting for Murray and me to see all the people who come back together each year to make SUNDANCE happen. It feels good to see what we can accomplish when we work together. On a national level we are all watching to see what action will come from the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to amend federal hate crime legislation to include sexual orientation, gender and disability and to expand federal law enforcement jurisdiction. Hate crimes committed against gays, lesbians, and bisexuals make up the third-highest category of hate crimes reported to the FBI. Delaware is one of only 21 states, plus the District of Columbia, that include sexual orientation-based crimes in their hate crimes statutes, so it is important for the federal government to be in a position to address those cases in which local authorities are either unable or unwilling to investigate and prosecute. At this point 18 states have hate crime legislation that excludes sexual orientation, 8 states have no hate crime legislation at all, and 3 states, including Maryland, have laws that are unclear. Ive always felt that we were lucky here in Rehoboth to have a police chief interested in preventing hate crimes of all typesbut thats not the case everywhere. Actually, I feel lucky to live in Rehoboth for many reasons. Where else could I sit in one place and have people from so many different cities pass by my doorstep. And with a little more luck this beautiful weather will continue to bless us for the rest of the summer. Have a great July, and excuse me nowUltimate Broadway just hit Chita Rivera singing "All That Jazz" and I cant sit still any longer. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 8, No. 9, July 17, 1998. |