LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Connect |
| by Beth Fitton |
| Connect
This is a difficult time of year for me. I have to face the fact that summer is nearly over. (You, too?) I've been known to sit on the beach at Gordon's Pond and dissolve in tears when I realize that I probably won't be able to squeeze out one more "beach day" that year. It is more than the beach, per se. It is the whole sensory package including sun, surf, sand and gulls. Plus, I get to read without feeling the least bit guilty for not getting up to do some chore. My love affair with the beach is not new. Growing up, my dad was away in the Navy a lot and we didn't have a car to go to the beach. (Like my mother would have taken four kids under seven years old to the beach alone if we did own a car.) I really treasured those few trips to the ocean when Aunt Marion drove into town for a visit. Then, there was a movie in the late 60s titled, Endless Summer. It was a documentary featuring surfing on the best beaches in the world. The beaches (not surfing) were what fascinated me and for a very long time, I fantasized about following summer around the world. Fast forward several decades. I have met Mary who enjoys the beach as much as I do and we have been able to buy a house at the beach. Better yet, the beach town, Rehoboth Beach, is the most gay-friendly I've ever experienced and I have done an extensive survey. Also, with maturity, I have realized that my life, when I leave the beach, is at least as important as the hours I spend with my toes in the sand. Since we moved here more than five years ago, I have come to appreciate more than one season in Rehoboth Beach. Each new season has become a reason to reconnect with friends and to add new acquaintances to our list of dinner partners. We deeply appreciate the warm feeling of home here in our community from the merchants who remember our names to the neighbors we meet at the annual Christmas tree lighting. As far as Endless Summer goes, reality set in and I limit myself to a week in the Caribbean each February. It seems to meet my need for putting my toes in the sea. Founders' Circle This has really been an incredible season for CAMP Rehoboth. We are so grateful for the wonderful support that we have received from the many volunteers and from all of our Founders' Circle members. At this time, 435 people have made a commitment to the Founders' Circle. They have pledged $949,912.72 with $671,474.18 being received. If you are not a member, please consider adding your name to the Founders' Circle permanent records. You will be making an investment in our community, plus it's a great tax deduction. CAMP Rehoboth is a 501(c)(3) organization and contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. CAMP Rehoboth's board and staff appreciate the commitment of all who have become recent members of the Founders' Circle, upgraded your original pledge, or made your pledge payment. You are the people who help make the difference. We are not just another beach town but rather a community with a heart by the sea. Pledge Form available in PDF format HERE Beth Fitton is Development Director at CAMP Rehoboth. She may be reached by e-mail at beth@camprehoboth.com. |
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LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 15, No. 13 September 16, 2005 |