LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Rehoboth Community Center Founder's Circle Update |
by Andrea Andrus |
Each day I am in awe at the number of people who call or come into the CAMP office to inquire about our Community Center and to ask how they can help. Many of these individuals volunteer their time working on events, event mailings, and even landscaping the area so it will be attractive and inviting to all visitors. Many of those same individuals as well as others dig deeply into their pockets to join with us as members of the Founders' Circle Capital Campaign or to upgrade their current memberships. They believe in what we are working so hard to do each day and, that is, to build a strong community that celebrates diversity, friendship and inclusiveness. Recently, we received a heartwarming note with a generous Founders' Circle membership pledge. I would like to share the message with you because it does show the outpouring of appreciation and love that comes from our dedicated and wonderful community. "For CAMP Rehoboth...for all you've done and continue to do for the Gay and Lesbian community in Rehoboth Beach and its influence around the country." Pat Antonisse (Given in memory of Patty Cramer) We at CAMP Rehoboth are not just a group of people working in an office, pushing paper around and watching the clock. Instead, we are a group of people who work in a true community service environment with a mission to promote cooperation and understanding among all people. Each person who contacts us or comes through our door is treated with dignity and respect and we always go the extra mile to help each and every person who has a problem. Every day we focus on our mission to raise funds for other organizations; network resources and information; promote artistic expressions and creative thinking; provide education and outreach; and promote political awareness. It's a lot of work to keep everything organized and moving forward while providing excellent service to anyone who walks through our door but we are very committed to our mission and purpose. Through the generosity of nearly 200 individuals in our community who joined the Founders' Circle, we were able to reach the $500,000 milestone a couple of weeks agohalfway to our $1,000,000 goal. As of this issue of Letters, we have received $519,503 in membership pledges. This is a 56% increase in membership pledges since August of 2002. We are on a roll and still going strong! As a community, we need to keep the momentum going. We will research grants and write grant proposals as well as create corporate and business partnership programs but we need the help of each and every one of you who are the voices in our community. We need you to act as our ambassadors and encourage your friends and family to join us on this journey to build a safe place for all. Over the next several weeks, I will be organizing a Founders' Circle Committee of between 8 to 10 individuals. These individuals, both Founders' Circle members and nonmembers, will work with me to develop unique and creative ways of raising funds for our Capital Campaign. We believe that all information and feedback is imperative to our success so it is important to hear from nonmembers. There is already interest being shown by individuals who want to be on this committee. If you are interested, please contact me at the CAMP office. On Saturday, August 16, 2003, CAMP Rehoboth will host a Founders' Circle Open House at the CAMP office and courtyard. It will be an opportunity for members and nonmembers to socialize and hear about our plans for the "heart of the community." Look for final details in the next issue of Letters but in the meantime be sure and put the date on your calendar or in your Palm Pilot. Rememberjust by calling me or completing the pledge form in this issue, you can join the Founders' Circle or upgrade your current membership to a higher level. We also invite you to give a gift of membership to a friend or family member for a special occasion or simply to send the message that they are also a special part of our community. You also may want to take advantage of your company's matching gift program. It is an easy process that just takes some coordination between all of us. Contact me if you have any questions. CAMP Rehoboth is a 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. What a program! By joining the Founders' Circle, you help us build a stronger community. Your membership pledge is tax deductible and is eligible for matching gift programs. By joining within the five-year Capital Campaign, you're a Charter Member, and at some levels, a Lifetime Member. And on top of that, you receive special membership gifts and recognition. So, don't walk, run to the phone or to our office and make a pledge today to help "build" our community! Pledge Form available in PDF format HERE Andrea Andrus may be reached at 302-227-5620, or by e-mail at andrea@camprehoboth.com. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 13, No.10 July 25, 2003. |