LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Rehoboth Community Center Founder's Circle Update |
by Andrea Andrus |
Going Strong! Our community is still elated over the success of our third annual Founders' Circle event, the Black and White (and red all over) Beach Ball. Your feedback on this event as well as on anything else we do is one of the most important and powerful ways for us to know if we're meeting your needs and are making a difference. We took on a very ambitious project for the community when we launched the Founders' Circle Capital Campaign in 2001 to raise $1,000,000 over a five-year period. Since that time, many of you in our community have responded with your hearts and your financial support. To have raised over $470,000 in less than three years and during these tough economic times is an incredible accomplishment. It is an accomplishment that isn't as much about a building as it is about the dedication and commitment of our community to build a safe place for all people. We believe that it is important for all of us to understand why those individuals in our community want to give back and therefore support the Capital Campaign through membership in the Founders' Circle. We asked a few Founders' Circle members why they joined and what it means to them. For those of you who aren't quite sure about the effort we've undertaken or just haven't had the time to fill out a pledge form and join, we hope that the following comments from Founders' Circle members will be insightful and will help you make that important decision to become part of a truly noble effort to build a strong and diverse community: "We both think of Rehoboth as our "real home" and will eventually move here. The real date varies depending on how bad a day we've had at the office. In some respects our contribution to the Founders' Circle was a "no brainer." Others had the vision, others planted the organizational seed, all we had to do was write a check, and for such a worthy cause that so benefits our community, that was easy. We are fortunate that we are in the position to be members of the Founders' Circle, and delighted to be associated with CAMP Rehoboth." Susan Jimenez and Cathy Benson "Why did we contribute? Bill and I have enjoyed visiting Rehoboth Beach for more than ten years. So much so, we became property owners two years ago. Over the years, we have seen what a vibrant and effective part of Rehoboth Beach the gay and lesbian community has become. CAMP Rehoboth has played a large part in this and in working to foster understanding with the community as a whole. The new center will help to make their work much more visible."David Nelson and Bill McManus "When I retired to the Rehoboth area in August 2000, I really didn't know anyone. As a recently singled lesbian, I wanted to connect with other gay people. I knew about CAMP Rehoboth from previous visits, so I decided to volunteer for Sundance. I worked with Kathy Weir and told her my story. The very next day I received a call from a CAMP person who lived near me and within two weeks I was being invited to local parties and meeting and making many new friends. Thank you, CAMP Rehoboth. You helped make me feel I was home. That's why I joined the Founders' Circle."Ellen Watkins Become a Founders' Circle member today! Fill out the pledge form on page 36 and forward it to me at the CAMP Rehoboth office. If your place of employment has a matching gift program, just send the information to me to complete. For those of you who are members, consider upgrading your membership to a higher level or give a gift of membership to family or friends who believe in the importance of community. CAMP Rehoboth is a 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Just remember...179 Founders' Circle members can't be wrong! Join with us in the spirit of community. Pledge Form available in PDF format HERE Andrea Andrus may be reached at 302-227-5620, or by e-mail at andrea@camprehoboth.com. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 13, No. 8 June 27, 2003. |