LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
In Black & White |
On the weekend following Memorial Day, Baltimore Avenue was filled with people dressed in black and white, intent on making their way through the crowded Saturday night streets to the Atlantic Sands Ballroom-and that included Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner. It was, of course, the site of The Black and White Beach Ball, the second annual Founder's Circle event for the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center Project. "The event was more than just a fundraiser," says CAMP Rehoboth Board President Murray Archibald. "It was a way for us to say thank you to all those who have become members of the Founder's Circle. With the addition of the pledges raised during the event," he says, "we are almost to $300,000 of the million we hope to raise in the coming years." Addressing the more than 300 guests at the event, Murray reminded everyone that each year during the capital campaign they would cut a ribbon in one of the colors of the rainbow. In 2001 a red ribbon was cut, this year the Governor cut the second ribbon-an orange one. Murray also announced that CAMP Rehoboth had closed on the purchase of the property at 39 Baltimore Avenue, the site of its current office. "We now have a permanent place upon which to build our home," he said with much excitement. In her message, Governor Ruth Ann Minner reminded the crowd of the mission of the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center Project to be an inclusive space and a focal point for connecting people, activities, and resources, and to embrace diversity as an essential component. She spoke about tolerance, especially in the wake of the September eleventh tragedy. "Tolerance," she said, "is extremely important whether we're discussing a country at war or building a community center that will bring each and every one of you in this room tonight together-gay, straight, black, white, married, single, Christian, or atheist. We should all be proud of each other and proud of what's being done to build the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center." The evening ended with The HEART of the Commu-nity Art Auction-fifteen pieces of art created especially for the event-which added an additional $24,000 to the Community Center Project. All of the art created for the auction is now available as a boxed set of greeting cards. The beautifully designed boxes were unveiled at The Black and White Beach Ball, along with all the paintings. "It was very exciting Murray says, "to see a series of paintings created around a theme-and now everyone can enjoy them, and support the center as well." "One of the main functions of The Black and White Beach Ball was to focus attention on the Community Center Project." Murray says, "The evening was a great success. Our thanks to all who are working to make this dream a reality." Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Founder's Circle or receiving information about the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center Project should call CAMP Rehoboth at 302-227-5620. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 12, No. 07, June 14, 2002. |