Intro to the WHO
This issue of Letters is all about the “WHO” who make up CAMP Rehoboth: YOU, our esteemed Members. Sure, CAMP Rehoboth does a lot for the community by way of programming, arts, essential health trainings, screenings, testing, counseling, and wellness classes, the THRIVE youth programs and support, and of course, (before COVID) big events like Women’s FEST, CAMP Rehoboth Chorus concerts, theatre, and Sundance.
It’s WHAT we do. And our mission as a service organization dedicated to creating a positive, healthy, safe environment, inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender expressions, is without a doubt our big WHY. But if you want to know WHO CAMP Rehoboth is, just look in the mirror.
We could program, produce, and promote all day—all year—but it wouldn’t mean a thing without YOU, the hearts and souls who make up this beautiful community. Those generous funds that you, our members and sponsors, donate make sure we never miss a beat and stay in-step with what you, our members, our community, need most.
Investments are what our members and donors are making. Being a monthly donor myself, as I have been for years before I joined the staff as Development Director, gives me peace of mind that there’s a safe space and a welcoming community I can count on always being there for me. While I only moved to the area in the last couple of years, I started donating well before that because I knew CAMP Rehoboth was a huge reason I’d been coming to this area since I was young. Now that I’m on staff, I’m excited to continue CAMP Rehoboth’s amazing legacy.
So, if you are not already a CAMP Rehoboth member, I’m encouraging and inviting you to please become a member. And because of these trying times, if you have a way to give a bit more than usual, we ask that you please do, because not everyone can. Your extra dollars will help make up for those who may be struggling because of COVID.
If you don’t live here (yet!), like me, when I first joined, please consider joining. And, if you’re thinking of buying in Sussex County, please call one of our great Letters advertisers and supporters to help you become a part of this incredible community. Can you tell we love our advertisers? (wink, wink) Which speaking of winks and twinkles, brings me to….
Meet Linda Bova of Sea Bova Associates
The twinkle in her eye talking of Sundances past (20+ years of them!), and when she was a bartender at the Beach House Restaurant and a Nomad Village manager back in the ‘90s, gives us a hint about her good-humored and fun rebel-rouser past. But her business success and seriousness when talking about CAMP Rehoboth—and why she and her wife Bridget are staunch supporters—shows why they are such solid community leaders now. Linda Bova has been a long-time donor and Letters advertiser.
Linda is our first WHO’s that?...That’s CAMP! Spotlight, and her years of generosity, given with humility and consistency, should be celebrated. In all honesty, I barely remember a time when the back cover of Letters wasn’t a full-page ad for Sea Bova Associates.
Linda Bova and her wife of five years (partner for 27; business partner for 18), Bridget Bauer, have been supporters for well over 25 years. Sea Bova Associates purchased the back-cover ad space years ago and has never looked back.
Linda’s most anticipated annual event is Sundance. “The music was always awesome. And we would dance practically until they kicked us out. I’ve been so impressed over the years with how the Sundance and other events progressed and blossomed. They just kept growing and getting better, bringing everyone together, regardless of age, sex, etc., and made people feel it’s OK just to be who we are.” She teared up, adding “We really missed being with everyone this year.”
Linda and Bridget have not only been strong financial supporters of CAMP Rehoboth since the 1990s, but they also enjoy volunteering. Through her mask, I hear Linda chuckle and her eyes tell me she is smiling as she likens her business relationship with Bridget to the theatre. “Bridget handles the curtains and the lights. And she lets me be on-stage and the performer. But when it comes to CAMP Rehoboth, we both enjoy helping in the same ways. We’ve done everything from stuffing envelopes and donating giveaways to being Sundance Sponsors and helping during the events.”
“I feel very lucky we’ve been able to give as long as we have,” says Bova, “and we will continue doing so. CAMP Rehoboth is very important to us and this community. Many do not realize Rehoboth is and has stayed such an amazing and welcoming place for all people, because of what CAMP Rehoboth, Murray and Steve, and the staff had done consistently to keep it so over the course of 28+ years.”
CAMP Rehoboth thanks Linda Bova, Bridget Bauer, and Sea Bova Associates for their long-standing and unwavering support to making sure the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center stays the heart of the Community!
CAMP Rehoboth appreciates all its donors and supporters. If you would like to learn more about CAMP Rehoboth, become a member, or meet with Anita to make a donation or discuss a legacy planned-giving gift, please call: 302-227-5620 or email: anita@camprehoboth.com.