Repeating Champs!
In light of inescapable media coverage about debt ceilings, credit ratings, and the worst one day drop in the Dow in nearly three years, it was certainly tempting to draw from my mortgage roots and write about one of those hot button topics in this issue.
Instead, I thought again and decided to take a different, less serious approach, and why not? Have you checked out the cover? Take another look, they’re a handsome bunch!
By now, many of you have heard about the Summer CAMP Beach House Challenge (BHC), an outreach program started last summer here at CAMP Rehoboth. As its focus, the program has worked to introduce, involve, and establish what we hope are long-term relationships with a group of people critical to our long-term ability to sustain our organization and remain pertinent in an ever-challenging non-profit world.
The people I’m referring to are those who reside here primarily during the summer, either owning a second home or renting a “share” in a house with a group. Many of us who now call Rehoboth home started living here the very same way. I wrote about it in the last issue, and have since heard from numerous people validating my assumption.
Having concluded July 31, I’m proud to announce this year’s efforts raised over $20,000 for CAMP Rehoboth. I’m especially pleased to congratulate the housemates of 6 Futcher Drive, as they have successfully defended their crown and are once again the winners of this year’s Challenge.
Led by homeowners, Mike DeFlavia and Tony Sowers, they and their housemates were responsible for over $10,000 of the total raised! In addition to Mike and Tony, the other mates include Soochon Radee, Chris Boxwell, David Malpass, Drew Cervantes, Trent Walsh, and Darrell Moyers. The guys would also like to recognize the contribution of Dennis Konzelman, Jeffrey Wilson, Patrick Bosak, and DJ Mike Reimer.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, the staff, our members and volunteers, we extend sincere thanks to each of you for your efforts, commitment and support of CAMP Rehoboth.
So how did 6 Futcher come away with the title? They earned points in every category of the Challenge (memberships, attending CAMP events, volunteering, and fundraising) as did each of the Top 5 houses in the final standings (please see page 7 for results).
I’d personally like to thank Mike for being the impetus of their success. Mike and Tony increased their CAMP Rehoboth membership, attended every event, held a house condom-stuffing party, and even braved the sweltering heat to help us on beach clean-up day. Every week they reached out to find out how to support the Challenge and for that, I’m very grateful.
With 13 houses and over 180 participating members, this summer’s BHC got underway with the re-emergence of the Bachelor Auction, held on June 18 at Aqua Grill. As the kick-off event for our Love benefit, ten of the 14 bachelors represented one of the houses in the BHC. The Auction raised $14,750, and the BHC bachelors represented $11,000 of that total. Houses earned equivalent points based on the winning bid for their Bachelor. Consequently, Trent Walsh earned 6 Futcher’s first 500 points and they were off to a strong start.
Next, the guys continued a long-standing tradition here in the nation’s summer capital. The ever-popular themed house-party has remained a summer favorite for decades and this year has been no exception. Already we’ve seen the likes of togas and friendly-skies and will soon see Heroes and Villains.
But should you happen to call 6 Futcher Drive your summer home, the tradition you started seven years ago has undoubtedly earned you the title of the “best party of the summer” and your Independence Day pool party continues to raise the bar.
En route to their first BHC victory last summer, they collected donations from those who attended and raised over $3,400. With an added twist and a philanthropic appreciation, this summer’s “Studio 54th of July” party was designed as an official fundraiser for CAMP Rehoboth. With over 500 of their closest friends in attendance, they raised an amazing $9,500! I can’t wait for next year.
To all of those BHC CAMPers who participated again this year, and especially to those who did so for the first time, thank you! Together we’ve made a difference and hopefully we’ll continue to do so. If you’re reading this and thinking, “that sounds like a lot of fun!” You’re absolutely right! Get involved next year. Better yet, get involved now.
Chris Beagle, a realtor in Rehoboth and former mortgage officer, serves on the Board of CAMP Rehoboth. Email Chris Beagle