Traditions Continue
On June 18, a former fundraiser was reestablished as the kick-off event for CAMP Rehoboth’s annual Love Weekend (to be held Saturday, July 2nd and Sunday, July 3rd). For over a decade, the Love Bachelor Auction at the Blue Moon raised tens of thousands of dollars under the direction of long-time supporter, Chris Riss.
With a three year hiatus, a new venue, and a few new twists, this year’s event was held at Aqua Grill (special thanks to Joe Maggio and Bill Shields) and was tied to the Summer CAMP Beach House Challenge (BHC). Participating houses each nominated a bachelor to represent itself, and, in turn, received points towards the Challenge equivalent to each bachelor’s winning bid amount. Throughout the Challenge, points are also being earned through volunteering, other fundraising, memberships, and by attending designated CAMP Rehoboth events.
Along with 13 other handsome singles (yes, a few were spoken for but participated in the spirit of the cause anyway), Marshall Sanders, representing 20598 Quillen Road, earned $3000 and the title of the highest bid. For this, he and his housemates earned an additional 1000 points towards the Challenge and consequently hold the lead headed into the Independence Day holiday weekend (see page 7 for current standings). Special thanks to Marshall and the other bachelors who helped us raise nearly $15,000!
The BHC was started last year as an outreach and fundraising program primarily targeting those summer-time Rehoboth lovers who hold shares in many of the local beach houses. Participating houses compete to raise the most points from June 1 through July 31, with the winning house being professionally photographed and appearing on the coveted cover of the mid-August issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth.
Like most non-profits, CAMP Rehoboth is no exception to the on-going challenges of surviving in a struggling economy. Consequently, we work hard to find new and interesting ways to get people involved, to raise awareness of what we do, and to ultimately sustain this great organization that has stood the test of time for over two decades. It is time-consuming and hard work, but the rewards to our members, supporters, the LGBT community, and the community in general, far outweigh the effort.
Earlier this year, in the face of continued economic challenges, the Board of CAMP Rehoboth questioned whether or not to hold this year’s Love events. We decided to tighten the budget and devise a plan that would create interest, raise money, and with any luck, allow us to continue this 18 year tradition.
Our formula, maximize the use of the Convention Center that we pay a minimum number of days to use, by holding not one, but two nights of dance. After all, who doesn’t like to dance? And at just $40 per night, or $75 for both nights, where else can one enjoy great DJs, an open bar, and the sights of hundreds, if not a thousand, of Rehoboth’s finest? I know you know the answer.
Moral of my story, help us spread the word about Love and the many other programs we offer here at CAMP Rehoboth. I’m often surprised by the number of people who aren’t familiar with us and what we do for the community. But experience is relative, of course, and ultimately it’s our job to ensure our mission is known and reaches as many people as possible.
We’re striving to do just that, which is precisely why I’ve discussed the House Challenge again in this issue. It’s evolved into one of the successful programs that are critical to our ability to continue functioning here.
This summer will see a wide range of events and programs, all with a united theme of raising awareness and funds for CAMP Rehoboth. There are many ways you can help and we encourage you to attend our events, become a member, get involved and help us build our CAMP home.
Twenty-one years ago, the goal was to create an organization that represented the truest sense of what Rehoboth translated means…”room for all.” Years later, after that goal became realized, the dream of building a Community Center became our focus. Today, it stands as just that, a place where free and anonymous HIV and STD testing is provided, where counseling services are offered, where the arts community is supported, where meetings and events of all kinds are held, and where all are welcome, all the time.
So we’ve continued our tradition of Love here at CAMP Rehoboth and, with your help, it will remain a part of our fabric for years to come. Whether Rehoboth is your primary home, your second home, or your vacation home, you too can help us continue the tradition we started over two decades ago.
As always, we thank you for your support, and Happy Independence Day!
Chris Beagle, a realtor in Rehoboth and former mortgage officer, serves on the Board of CAMP Rehoboth. Email Chris Beagle