LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Connect |
by Andrea Andrus |
Connections Margaret Mead once stated, "99 percent of the time that humans have lived on this planet, we've lived in groups of 12 to 36 people. Only in times of war does the nuclear family prevail because it is the most mobile unit that can ensure the survival of the species. But for the whole flowering of the human spirit, we need groups, tribes, and community." All of us at CAMP Rehoboth have a mission to create a safe community based on love, partnership and trust. In turn, all of us in our community can live free of fear, oppression and violence and be honored for our individual differences, ideas and contributions. CAMP Rehoboth sees each individual as an invaluable and unique contributor to that mission and a conduit toward creating a supportive and growth-oriented environment. Although our mission and purpose as stated in the beginning of each issue of Letters seems lengthy, it is simply about meeting those basic human needs for love, safety, support and a sense of belonging that each of us as human beings struggle to achieve.
So, it is fitting that the first issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth that is published each year comes out around Valentine's Day, a time of love, sweet dreams and new beginnings. Let's take this time to acknowledge how lucky we are to be part of an organized community that has accomplished so much and to celebrate the love of our partners and friends. Spell it out with those tiny colored candy hearts that have been a holiday tradition since the Civil War or simply say, "I love you!" With this issue of Letters, it is also my time to say "I love you" and "thank you" to all of my "Sweethearts" in the CAMP Rehoboth office and in our community who have been so wonderful to me and have made my job so worthwhile. I am leaving my position as CAMP Rehoboth's Development Director to spend time with family and to pursue personal and professional goals. But, I will always be grateful for your friendship, support and love of community. Founders' Circle And, speaking of "Sweethearts," there are 343 of them who have donated an incredible $811,226.00 in membership pledges thus far in the fourth year of our Founders' Circle Capital Campaign. Whether they have pledged $100.00 or $15,000.00, these individuals, businesses and foundations have shown their dedication to community through their generosity and willingness to participate. Every pledge made means that we're one step closer to our dream of creating a full-service community center that will enable the GLBT community and the community-at-large to work together to have rich and full lives. Additionally, each "Sweetheart" realizes the benefits of connections, creativity, love and support. The richness of our lives allows us to achieve personal and community goals and it enhances human happiness. Remember, we can achieve much more in this life as a community than we can as struggling individuals. So, join with your community today to help achieve our $1,000,000.00 capital campaign goal by 2006. You can make a tax-deductible contribution today by completing the pledge form in this issue for a new membership or to upgrade your current membership. CAMP Rehoboth is a 501(c)(3) organization and contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Your pledge will help build a place where everyone will be welcomed. Making a pledge during this five-year campaign ensures that your name or the name of a loved one will be inscribed in our official Founders' Circle records and on the Wall of Founders as a Charter Member. Depending on the membership level that you choose, your name will be on an actual part of the Community Center (a brick, tile, door or room). Just for joining, you will receive unique Community Center gifts as our way of saying "thank you" and you'll also receive an abundance of connections and friendships. So, be a "Sweetheart," and help us create a "loving" culture in which each of us will be in touch with our environment and ourselves. Help us make a difference! Pledge Form available in PDF format HERE Andrea Andrus is the CAMP Rehoboth Development Director. She may be reached by e-mail at andrea@camprehoboth.com, or by calling 302-227-5620. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 15, No. 1 February 11, 2005 |