In recognition of CAMP Rehoboth’s 21st anniversary, we’re continuing our Volunteer Spotlight to honor many of the behind-the-scenes heroes that we’re so fortunate to have in our CAMP family.
The Spotlight is an ongoing column in Letters and features recipients who’ve been selected by the volunteers themselves and you, our readers.
If you know someone whose efforts are worthy of consideration, please make a nomination. We’ll be maintaining a database that will be used to help determine future recipients. Email us and put “Volunteer Spotlight” in the subject line.
Kathy Wiz on Volunteering at CAMP Rehoboth and more!
Kathy Wiz and her partner Muriel Hogan have been together for more than 18 years, and have resided in Rehoboth for the last three. As Kathy puts it, “We fell in love with Rehoboth on our first visit in 1997, on our way to spend a week in Myrtle Beach. A friend had told us that Rehoboth Beach in Delaware was gay friendly and suggested that we stop there on our way south (from New York). I laugh when I think of it, but I called her the next day and asked, “What was the name of that gay friendly town in Delaware.” I wrote it down, “R-e-h-o-b-e-t-h Beach.” We followed her suggestion, and then headed to Myrtle Beach, but stayed only two days…the magic of Rehoboth was calling us back!”
When/why did you start volunteering for CAMP Rehoboth?
My younger brother, Peter, died of AIDS in 1985, so the Candlelight AIDS Walk is special to me. After we moved to Rehoboth, I went to CAMP and asked if I could provide red ribbons for the Walk—the answer was “yes,” so I ran with it….
What’s been your best memory volunteering here?
My best memory has to be the Broadwalk on the Boardwalk, which was a breast cancer awareness walk hosted by CAMP Rehoboth as part of Women’s FEST week-end this year. The walk raised $5000 in voluntary donations, all of which went to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition.
What does CAMP Rehoboth mean to you?
The Broadwalk on the Boardwalk exemplifies what makes me so proud to be a member of CAMP Rehoboth. In a time when non-profits are struggling financially, CAMP hosted the Broadwalk for DBCC. Last October, DBCC donated literature and handouts for CAMP to distribute for Breast Cancer Awareness month…we are working together and that feels good to me.
If you could spend a full day with one person, who would it be? Why?
I would give a lot to be able to spend a day with my brother, Peter. I was still married when he died, so we were never “gay” together. What fun we could have had in Rehoboth! It would be such a thrill for him to see the acceptance we have in our town. SB 30 was passed on April 14—that would have been Peter’s 62nd birthday. It’s been over 25 years since he died and I still miss him…I always will.
“Wouldn’t you like to be a CAMPer too?” How would you encourage someone to get involved with us?
My life in Rehoboth has been enriched by the people I have met at CAMP…and I wouldn’t have met most of them if I hadn’t volunteered. I would encourage anyone to come be a part of the CAMP volunteer community…even stuffing envelopes can be a convivial experience!
First thought that comes to mind when you hear the word “Rehoboth.”
Home…as in “home is where the heart is.”
Assuming you have any, what else do you like to do in your spare time?
An afternoon nap on a rainy day can be divine!
We know you already love Rehoboth, where’s your next favorite get-away? Why?
Muriel and I are hoping to go on a dream vacation for our 20th anniversary next year. Maybe Hawaii. We’re not sure yet…any suggestions? Author’s suggestion…Eric and I celebrated our 20th in San Francisco, Napa and Sonoma! It was magical!
Someone reading this wants to buy you a “thank you” beverage. What would it be?
A nice glass of pinot grigio would do the trick…and actually, the glass itself wouldn’t have to be that nice.
Friends are coming over for a dinner party? What’s your signature dish?
Well, doesn’t that question make me laugh! If I have to cook, I’ve been known to argue that peanut butter and jelly on toast is a hot meal if you serve it fast enough! Muriel is the cook in the family, but, honestly, any “signature dish” we serve to company comes from Nourish. I don’t want to sell myself short here though, so let me just add that I set a very nice table!
Sustenance: Favorite food? Beverage?
The first barbeque of the season…that always tastes like the beginning of summer…and what could be better than that, especially in Rehoboth?
Thank you, Kathy, for all you have done for CAMP Rehoboth and for DBCC. It’s always a pleasure working with you to better serve both organizations. Lucky for us, the “magic” of Rehoboth called you and Muriel back in 1997. Peter would be very proud of his sister.
To volunteer, fill out the volunteer form.