Well, this is it! It’s almost Labor Day, and as usual, long before we are ready to say goodbye to the summer season. After this issue of Letters, we return to our monthly publishing schedule, so watch for new releases on September 18, October 23, and November 20.
For those of us connected to CAMP Rehoboth, Labor Day weekend means one thing: Sundance. Starting Monday, August 31 and continuing for a whole week, Sundance volunteers will work around the clock to transform the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center into the 28th Sundance: The Super Magic Rainbow Glitter Ball. Our feature in this issue of Letters is, naturally, Sundance—the grandmother of all parties! In his CAMPmatters column, Murray goes “Behind the Glitter” and delves into Letters from CAMP Rehoboth archives. Don’t miss “Going Once, Twice, and Sold” either; it contains descriptions of some of the incredible items up for auction at this year’s Sundance Auction. Plus, there’s an interview with Sundance DJ Joe Gauthreaux, and a Sundance event overview by Nancy Sakaduski. Also, check out the long list of Sundance Hosts, Supporters, and Sponsors in this issue. It couldn’t happen without them!
The return of the Bachelor Auction to our summer line-up of events was a bit of last minute surprise—and it came together primarily because Aqua’s owner Bill Shields and his manager Josh Buchness were passionate about making it happen. In fact, that support was strongly reflected in the attitudes of all the participating bachelors, who together raised almost $14,000 for CAMP Rehoboth. It was an exciting moment, and we are very grateful to Bill and all the bachelors (and a bachelorette from Purple Parrot!) for making it such a fun and successful event. Thanks as well to CAMP Rehoboth VP Chris Beagle for his leadership, and to Sundance Auctioneer Lorne Crawford who, as always, kept the Auction exciting—though, I have to say, he got a little competition from our enthusiastic bachelors! Knowing Lorne, he loved it!
“Membership has benefits,” our dedicated CAMP Rehoboth Membership Committee likes to say, and one of those benefits is advance notice on CAMP Rehoboth event ticket sales. Though it is unusual for us to have two major events so close together, we will soon announce the kick-off of member ticket sales for our big 25th Anniversary Weekend event in October. Of special interest to those purchasing tickets to the Silver Gala, there are a limited number of tables available and we expect them to go fast. Table seating is available for individuals or by the table. Members should watch for an email blast with information about purchasing advance tickets.
One of the most exciting things about the 25th Anniversary Celebration is the Baltimore Avenue Block Party. Vendor packages for anyone wishing to participate are available at CAMP Rehoboth, or can be downloaded from the CAMP Rehoboth website. Come rain or shine we will be celebrating in the street on October 11. Admission to the Block Party is a “suggested donation” of $10. Don’t miss the fun!
In the busyness of the season, it’s all too easy to let words of thanks fall by the wayside. After our amazing Well-Strung Concert at the Convention Center I don’t think I properly thanked Shelley Couch and her wife Lauren Thomas for putting together the fantastic pre-show presentation on CAMP Rehoboth. Thank you, ladies!
Over the next two months, hundreds of CAMP Rehoboth volunteers—first with Sundance and then with our 25th Anniversary Celebration—will make both events happen. While our Sundance volunteer list is shaping up nicely, we do have need of three or four people with strong backs willing to join the load-in and load-out team for the event. If you’d like to volunteer, email Monica Parr.