Anniversaries are often a time of reflection. As CAMP Rehoboth celebrates its 20th this year, we thought it the perfect time to pay tribute to arguably the most important reason we’ve been able to achieve this milestone…our volunteers.
With great pride and appreciation, we’re introducing the “Volunteer Spotlight.” Established by the Volunteer Development Committee, the Spotlight will be an on-going column in Letters and will feature recipients who’ve been selected by the volunteers themselves.
To introduce our debut Spotlight, we collected Nominations from those in attendance at the Volunteer Appreciation Party held on Sunday, March 21st in the CAMP Community Center.
As a credit to the dedication and generosity of this most-valued group, we were pleased to receive nominations from 53 volunteers, and even more pleased to discover that 41 different individuals were recognized for their contribution and selfless efforts.
We’re also asking you. If you know someone whose efforts you believe are worthy of consideration for an upcoming Spotlight, we encourage you to make a nomination. We’ll be maintaining an ongoing database that will be used to help determine future recipients.
As blessed as we are with such a supportive group of volunteers, there’s always room for more. If you feel so inclined, we’d love to hear from you. Send us an email to info@camprehoboth.com. We’ll definitely find something fun and rewarding for you to do.
We encourage you to check out the Spotlight in each issue of Letters and hopefully you’ll get to know some of the wonderful, behind-the-scenes heroes that we’re so fortunate to have in our CAMP family. And when you pass them on the street or see them in a restaurant, say “Thanks!” Who knows, someday, you may be the one on the receiving end of that accolade.
CAMP Rehoboth would like to sincerely thank all of the volunteers who help enhance the quality of life in our community. Our “Volunteer Spotlight” profiles one of the many wonderful volunteers who have made a difference!
Charlie Lee
Background info: Just three days after 9/11/01, Charlie first purchased property here. Since 12/31/02, he has resided in Red Fox Run, where he designed his home to properly display his collection of contemporary glass. A Penn State alum and retired CPA, Charlie worked as a Corporate Treasurer and also as a Human Resources Director in Radnor, Pennsylvania. Charlie has twin sisters and a brother, along with three generations of nieces and nephews, totaling 25.
How long have you been Volunteering for CAMP Rehoboth?
I began volunteering for CAMP in 2002, when former Board member, Maggie Ottato, had me help with picking up Sundance donations.
What types of volunteer work have you done at CAMP Rehoboth?
After that first Sundance, I started doing data entry for the Beach Book, then on to CAMP’s Database Manager and the databases for Love and Sundance. In December, ’08, I took over the administration of the Founders Circle pledges. In February, ’09, the CAMP Rehoboth Annual Membership Drive was introduced and I’ve administered this program from the start. I also work closely with our longtime volunteer Treasurer, Natalie Moss, depositing checks, recording credit card charges, and handling the billing for the ads that run in Letters.
What have you enjoyed most about your volunteer experience here?
Being at CAMP to welcome all individuals who walk through the front door with respect, warmth and courtesy. Plus, keeping an eye on the prize, so to speak, when things get hectic. The “prize” is a self-sustaining CAMP Rehoboth to leave to the younger generation coming up.
Share with our readers a unique perspective you have about volunteering here?
Working with the dedicated staff…Steve, Kathy, Sal and Murray (full-time volunteer). Watching the kindness and respect Sal Seeley shows to all his clients who come to CAMP for free HIV testing and counseling. Watching Kathy Weir and her amazing capacity to make everyone who walks in that front door feel welcome and answering every question they have. Watching Murray and Steve get into “deadline” mode and always finding a way to come up with the latest Letters.
Best memory helping CAMP Rehoboth?
The best part of volunteering is meeting an amazingly diverse group of people who, in their private lives, are successful professionals with accomplishments that are to be admired and respected.
Wouldn’t you like to be a CAMPer too?” How would you help encourage someone to get involved with CAMP Rehoboth?
The long dreary winters in Delaware fly by when you have a place like CAMP to fill many of your extra hours with worthwhile work. There’s always something to do… answering phones, condom stuffing parties (for the CAMPsafe program), CAMP Chorus, Volunteers on Vacation, Love, Sundance. You’ll meet a completely diverse group of capable people who all have CAMP in common.
Give us a “plug” for something near and dear to you about CAMP Rehoboth:
I can’t sign off without a plug for the Annual Membership Program. You can get a Membership Form at CAMP, on the web site, and in Letters. The Program is essential to CAMP’s fiscal success and assures that CAMP will be around long after I stop volunteering and go home to watch the deer eat all of my flowers and plants.
SHHHH! Please share a little known fact about you…until now, that is…
I am a big fan of the Opera and subscribed to the Met Opera for at least two decades.
One favorite thing about Rehoboth…
As an avid collector of Contemporary glass, my favorite shop in Rehoboth is Panache and the owner Sandra Robbins has made buying glass there a real pleasure.
Thank you Charlie! You’re an inspiration to all of us and truly represent the “Heart” of our CAMP home.
To vote for a volunteer for the Spotlight, send the name to info@camprehoboth.com with “volunteer vote” in the message line, or contact Chris Beagle or Claire Ippoliti.