We have now made it all the way through our 25th anniversary season of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, and this is our last issue of 2015. From our first CAMP Rehoboth cruise way back in January of this year, to our Silver Gala and Baltimore Avenue Block Party in October, it has been an amazing year—although I did hear Murray say recently, that he didn’t want to hear the word silver for a long time to come! This is also our Holiday issue, and it will carry us through Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s Day. We’ll be back in time for Valentine’s Day, so watch for the first issue of the year on February 12, 2016.
Over the summer, auditors finished the CAMP Rehoboth audit for last year, and the final report has finally been delivered to us. Audited financials from that report are available as a part of the CAMP Report 2014 in this issue. Included in the report are details about the number of people served by many of our programs, including over 4,000 CAMPsafe outreach contacts, an amazing 75,200 condoms/safe-sex kits distributed, 387 volunteers, $82,000 of ad space donated to non-profit organizations, and much, much more. Also in the report, are portions of our Strategic Plan (created in 2014 for 2015-2017). Our excellent audit is a direct result of the amazing work that longtime CAMP Rehoboth Treasurer Natalie Moss continues to perform for our organization.
On the In Brief page of this issue is a photograph of the CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Project (CROP) community mural at Burton Village which was underwritten by realtor Allen Jarmon. CROP Volunteers, under the guidance of CAMP Rehoboth Board Member Leslie Sinclair, worked with artist Catherine Czerwinski and the children of Burton Village to design and paint an amazing mural for the whole community to enjoy. CROP volunteers participate in a wide variety of community projects throughout the year.
The World AIDS Day Candlelight Walk and Service of Remembrance and Hope will once again take place on December 1, which this year is also the Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade. Not to worry, however, because as we did the last time this happened, the Candlelight Walk will take place as part of the parade. One of the purposes of World AIDS Day is to focus attention on HIV/AIDS, and the visibility of the candlelight walkers in the parade sends a powerful message. Please wear as much red as you can, and join us in the parade lineup on State Street. We will gather around 6 p.m., and the parade begins at 6:30. Candles—donated by Walgreens—will be provided to the walkers. We will exit the parade at First Street (near Nicola’s) and proceed to All Saints’ Church for the Service of Remembrance, followed by a light supper.
Looking ahead to 2016, in January select members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington return to the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center with The S* Show, featuring the music of Sondheim, Sinatra, and Streisand. The S* Show will run for three performances only, January 16 (4 and 8 p.m.) and January 17 (2 p.m.). On February 12 and 13 (7 p.m.) and February 14 (4 p.m.) the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus kicks off its 2016 season with Sassy, Brassy and Classy: Songs with Attitude. Tickets to both events are on sale now. Then, in April, get ready for Women’s FEST 2016, April 7-10: four days of spectacular events and activities for Women—and according to the Women’s FEST committee—it’s ‘cause girls just wanna have fun!
As another year comes to a close, I'd like to say thank you to everyone who has supported the work of CAMP Rehoboth as we celebrated our 25th Anniversary throughout the year. Please consider making an end of the year gift to CAMP Rehoboth or purchase the gift of membership for someone on your holiday list. We are blessed to be a part of such a tremendously supportive community. Have a wonderful holiday season, and the happiest New Year! See you in 2016!