LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
The Way I See It |
by Steve Elkins, Editor |
A few days ago, Murray and I were in the carrunning errands between deadlineswhen something was said by one of us that made us realize it was actually May 1. "Mayday! Mayday!" we laughed in mock horror as we agreed that for all practical purposes the season was upon us. Somehow we seem to arrive at this exact moment every year. That moment when it becomes crystal clear that another winter has passed and Memorial Day looms on the horizon. That moment when it becomes necessary that we kick ourselves into the high energy mode it takes to get through the next four months. Off season time, of course, has its own tasks, and this year one of them was to upgrade our tax-exempt status. Since its beginning back in the early months of this decade, CAMP Rehoboth has been a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(4) of the U. S. Internal Revenue Code contributions were not deductible as charitable donations. However, that has changed, thanks to our new classification under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. Anyone who carefully reads the CAMP Rehoboth information to the left of this column will now see that "contributions and gifts to CAMP Rehoboth are deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes to the fullest extent allowed by law." Raising money is an ongoing task for most nonprofit organizations and as CAMP Rehoboth continues to grow, so too does the need for financial support. New programs mean more jobs, and that means more moneythough it has been my experience that where there is a real need there will be a way to pay for it. It is my hope, and the hope of the CAMP Rehoboth Board of Directors, that over the coming year we can start a dialogue about the needs of the gay and lesbian community in our area. At our last Board meeting, the discussion ranged from retirement communities and the care of our elderly, to womens health issues, and to issues that affect gay and lesbian youth. Call, write, fax, or e-mail us with your concerns. Speaking of gay and lesbian youth, this season LETTERS has included a column by Cape Henlopen High School student Kristen Foery. Kristen recently chaired the latest session of the YMCA Youth in Government Program as Speaker of the House at Legislative Hall. During the event, Kristen was elected Governor-elect for the 2000 Youth in Government session. The YMCA Youth in Government Program is a national youth leadership program for high school students. Congratulations Kristen, we are always excited to see the emergence of new gay and lesbian leaders. Congratulations are in order as well for the Renegade Restaurant and Lounge as it celebrates its 20th anniversary the weekend of May 8 and 9. Longtime Renegade DJ Jeff Harrison will be celebrating the event on Saturday night by playing music from 1979 to 1999. Believe it or not, I was once young enough, (and light enough!) to be lifted into the lights over the Renegade dance floor. Oh wait, maybe that was Murray...but who cares, we were still young enough to be wild in the early years of the Renegade. One last thing while were on anniversaries, Elizabeth Hooper and the Corner Cupboard Inn are celebrating 25 years of being "the inn that was in before inns were in," so stop in for a visit. If youve never been, its one of the most charming places in Rehoboth. Dont be left out of the 1999 BEACH BOOK. Use the form on page 31, or fill one out on the Internet at www.camprehoboth.com. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 9, No. 4, May 7, 1999 |