In recognition of CAMP Rehoboth’s 20th anniversary, we’re continuing our Volunteer Spotlight to honor many of the behind-the-scenes heroes that we’re so fortunate to have in our CAMP family.
The Spotlight will be an ongoing column in Letters and will feature recipients who’ve been selected by the volunteers themselves and you, our readers.
If you know someone whose efforts are worthy of consideration, please make a nomination. We’ll be maintaining a database that will be used to help determine future recipients. Email us at info@camprehoboth.com.
Better yet, come join us. We always need new volunteers!
Mike Kelly: For now, it’s all about the auction!
Retired from the Pentagon Federal Credit Union, Mike and his partner, Jim Spellman, reside on Country Club Drive in Rehoboth Beach.
When/why did you start volunteering for CAMP?
Years ago, I started volunteering for CAMP with Sundance…filling goodie bags, selling tickets, and doing whatever was needed. Before retiring, I used to schedule the week before Sundance as a vacation week so that I could be available to help as much as possible.
What’s been your best memory volunteering here?
Without a doubt, it’s the great people you get to meet here. There’s really a sense of community in Rehoboth Beach and it becomes very clear each and every year at Sundance.
What does CAMP Rehoboth mean to you?
Showing the LGBT community at its best. Particularly the work done that involves the non-LGBT community—The Westside New Beginnings Community Center; this summer’s volunteering for Habitat for Humanity; Steve’s (Elkins) sensitivity training work with the local police department and others; Sal’s (Seeley) testing/counseling for whomever comes through the Community Center door.
If you had an extra hour in the day, what would you do?
Read and listen to music. I read all types of books—mysteries, 18th and 19th century classics, history, too. My musical interest tends to be classical and opera.
If you could spend a full day with one person, who would it be? Why?
My partner Jim! He is so busy with his consulting business that we hardly ever get a chance to just be alone together.
“Wouldn’t you like to be a CAMPer too?” How would you help encourage someone to get involved with us?
I’m forever talking up CAMP to my friends and encouraging them to get involved. I recently talked three friends into helping out with the Sundance Auction calls this year—Pat, Rich, and Tom. To each of you, I hope we’re still friends when this is done!
SHHHH! Please provide a little known fact about you…until now, that is…
The juicy stuff I will save for my autobiography. However, I have been fortunate to have lived many places, such as New York; DC; Brussels, Belgium (did Graduate work at the University of Louvain—MA); Frankfurt, Germany (Work for CU); Honolulu (Work and more Grad work—MBA). All were great experiences and I still remain friends with folks in all those places.
First thought that comes to mind when you hear the word “Rehoboth”
Home!!!
What else do you like to do in your spare time, assuming you have any?
Travel! We usually spend several weeks in Europe each winter staying with friends in various countries. This year we’re also going to Hong Kong and China at the end of October for Jim’s work. It should be very interesting. Need to take an issue of Letters with me.
As one of the most visible and helpful faces one finds when visiting the Community Center, Mike is often seen making deliveries/pickups to the post office, and most anything else that’s needed. Your presence is invaluable to us, Mike, and we offer our sincere thanks for all you do!
