Goodbye, Barb Ralph!
by Salvatore Seeley
Goodbye, Barb Ralph, and thank you for all your years at CAMP Rehoboth!
It is with personal sadness and regret but warm wishes that I want to let readers know that Barb Ralph has retired from her front office post at CAMP Rehoboth. She will truly be missed by all the people who have come through the doors here at the community center.
Barb started at CAMP Rehoboth as many do, by walking through the doors and asking how she could volunteer. Barb started helping Kathy Weir, Steve Elkins, and Murray Archibald at Sundance, and was a huge help to the CAMPsafe program. She helped our condom-stuffing team—that’s the job of getting packets of condoms ready for distribution to bars, restaurants, and at events.
In 2013 Barb made the move to join Camp Rehoboth as an employee, assisting with the organization’s financial affairs as well as taking her place at the front office, helping all who came to seek help, sign up for membership, and more. More than a numbers cruncher, Barb was always on hand to provide whatever assistance was needed, whether it was giving out information about programs and events, selling tickets, or anything else that was needed.
I want to personally thank Barb for all the work she has done at CAMP Rehoboth and most specifically for the health and wellness programs. Barb made a difference in so many lives—people who needed something right away, or helping someone who needed a hand to hold before an HIV test.
I’m certainly not the only one who will miss Barb. Heard around CAMPus:
“Barb was a part of the CAMP Rehoboth family for many years—both as a volunteer and a staff member. From a personal perspective, I will never forget her faithful friendship and support of Steve and me as we struggled through the devastating months of his cancer treatment, and continued for me in the painful time following his death. Thank you, Barb!” -Murray Archibald
“When we met Barb for the first time, we were immediately taken in by her generous nature and willingness to help anyone in need. She has given amazing support to CAMP programs—checking to see “What more do you need?” She was always ready with a hug when you needed it, or an invitation to her home to share ‘a pot of stuff’ that was always on her stovetop. Barb was most fun when she led us in decorating for the holidays." -Patricia and Russell Stiles
“Barb's dedication and loyalty—both to work and friends—are simply unmatched. Once we started working together, I was quickly taken under her wing and dubbed her 'little sis.' Her generous spirit truly knows no bounds!” -Kerry Hallet
“I loved working and talking with Barb! Barb always had her fingers on the pulse of CAMP. I appreciated her knowledge and admired her passion for CAMP. Barb is a walking CAMP HISTORY book! I wish her the best in the next chapter of her life!” -Linda Gregory
“She always welcomed me when I was at CAMP. She ALWAYS complimented the youth program and noted how successful it was in such a short amount of time. I believe she sincerely cared about our community.” -Barbara Antlitz
All the best, Barb, on your well-deserved retirement!