LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Connect |
by Andrea Andrus |
Connections What a wonderful month May has been! The grass and trees are bright green once again. There are many different kinds of flowers blooming in spectacular colors, some with fragrant scents that fill the air. Small and large gardens are beginning to grow. And, above all, the sun is shining brightly each day which warms our hearts and our souls. This warmth and feeling of connection with nature also serves to nurture our sense of community. We look forward to playing and working together during the spring and summer months. At this time of year, CAMP Rehoboth is busier than ever. We continue to build our garden community by bringing people together from different parts of the community at large through our activities, events and special programs. We work diligently to better communicate with residents and visitors alike through more frequent publications of Letters. CAMP staff works in partnership with others in organizing and publicizing various and special fundraisers. The CAMP courtyard is alive with people from all walks of life, enjoying a myriad of activities. Some even visit the courtyard to plant flowers and remove weeds so that our community's home will be beautiful, comfortable and safe. Be sure and take part in all that our community has to offer. It just might be a life-changing experience!
Founders' Circle We have 256 wonderful gardeners who contributed at all levels to our Founders' Circle Capital Campaign garden. Their generous contributions ensured that our community's garden blossomed to $655,034 to date. As you can see, it is developing beautifully but we need to ask others in our community to help keep the garden growing so that it can reach full bloom. Our goal is $1,000,000 over a five-year period that began in 2001 and will end in 2006. How do we honor those who have generously made our garden grow? With one of the most fabulous events of the year, our annual Founders' Circle Black and White Beach Ball on Saturday, June 5, of course! This sell-out event, held at the beautiful Atlantic Sands Hotel Ballroom each year, has our community supporters strolling in dressed in casual black and white (or variations on the theme) to enjoy an environment that is warm and welcoming; delightful cocktails and hors d'oeuvres; beautiful decor, and the soothing sounds of Peggy Raley. During the evening, we will honor all of our current Founders' Circle members and those of you who decide to become new members. It's also an opportunity to hear more about our plans for the next two years as we finalize the redesign of our Community Center space and begin the actual construction. This event becomes even more energized by the entertaining and fast moving HeART of the Community Art Auction. Our charming and dynamic auctioneer, Chris Riss, keeps the event charged with a little bit of persuasion and lots of humor. With works by 17 talented artists, there surely is a work of art that will appeal to the art buyer in each of us. All proceeds will benefit the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. It's a win-win situation as you invest in your community while also investing in a piece of art for your home. To choose just the right artwork for you, don't miss the HeART of the Community Preview from May 24-June 4 and the artists' reception on Sunday, May 29, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at CAMP Rehoboth. (Editors note: see page 6.) We hope you will join the Founders' Circle at some level of giving before our Black and White Beach Ball, or at the event to help us further energize our Capital Campaign. Why should you become a Founders' Circle member? Building community gives all of us a sense of belonging; a safe place to celebrate our diversity; a strong voice in what happens within our community; and an incredible sense of accomplishment. In response to specific needs voiced by our community, CAMP Rehoboth developed CAMPsafe, women's programs and services, and the Community Center Project, among others. The Founders' Circle Capital Campaign also was established in direct response to the needs voiced by members of our community. Many of you asked for a space, a place that is welcoming and gives a sense of belonging to everyone. As the population in Sussex County is growing, so will the population of the GLBT community. As the area's only GLBT community service organization, we need to be able to adequately provide the necessary education, information and resources for everyone. This requires all of us working together to make things happen! All you have to do is complete the Founders' Circle pledge form included in this issue of Letters and send it to the CAMP office. CAMP Rehoboth is a 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Gifts may be paid in cash, securities, or other property, including real estate. Pledge payments may be paid annually, quarterly or monthly by check or credit card. When you join, you will receive unique Community Center gift(s) and your name will forever become part of the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. Your name or the name of a loved one will be permanently inscribed in our official Founders' Circle records. Your name also will be included on our recognition board displayed at the CAMP office and at major events. Depending on the membership level, names will be inscribed on a brick, a tile, a door or a room. If you are already a member, consider upgrading your membership to a higher level, take advantage of your company's matching gift program or give a gift of membership to a friend or family member. Or, ask your friends and family to join and become part our community effort to promote cooperation and understanding among all people. As we cut the green ribbon of the rainbow at our fourth annual Founders' Circle Black and White Beach Ball, remember that we need your support to keep the dream alive. So, on the magical evening of June 5, join us in celebration and pride and also join us as a member of our esteemed Founders' Circle. Partner with us so we will all flourish! Pledge Form available in PDF format HERE |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 14, No. 5 May 21, 2004 |