This is the Memorial Day issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth; welcome to summer 2011! There is always a building excitement this time of year as we gear up for the new summer beach season. As each day grows warmer I see more and more familiar faces in the CAMP Rehoboth Courtyard and all around town. Though Rehoboth Beach is no longer just a seasonal resort this is still a special time of year as we celebrate the return of summertime, see old friends, and make new ones. As I always remind everyone at this time of the year: enjoy all that our unique little community has to offer, and whether in the water or out partying, “have fun and play safe.”
On March 11 the Delaware Civil Union and Equality Act of 2011 (SB 30) was signed into law by Governor Jack Markell at the World Café Live at the Queen on Market Street in Wilmington. It was a remarkable day, and one that all of us in attendance will remember for a long time to come. With over 600 people including many of our legislative allies in attendance, the signing was filled with gigantic cheers and culminated in a champagne toast that celebrated a giant step forward for LGBT equality in our state. It has been an honor for me to work with all the talented people who make up the Board of Directors of Equality Delaware and the many Delaware senators and representatives who supported SB 30. I am especially thankful for the hard work of Lisa Goodman and Mark Purpura for their amazing leadership and their superb execution of the entire bill process. This is a historic event for our state and I look forward to January 1, 2012, when the law goes into effect.
If it’s Memorial Day then July 4th is not far behind, and this year’s Love Weekend is going to be the biggest dance weekend of the year. Love 2011 will include two mega-dance parties (Red Love and Blue Love), plus our all new Ladies 2000—Lady Love Tea Dance. Producing an event of the size of Love requires the help of many Sponsors, Supporters, and Hosts. Please take the time to sign up to be a Love Host or Sponsor. We’re very excited about our new online store, and now you can order and pay for tickets and sponsorships on our web site. Love 2011 is a benefit for the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center, and your support will allow us to continue to carry out our mission, work, and service in the Rehoboth Beach area. Become a Love 2011 Sponsor or Purchase Tickets
Speaking of supporting the work of CAMP Rehoboth, take a good look at the list of CAMP Rehoboth members on pages 32-33 of this issue. Our CAMP Rehoboth members are crucial to our ability to serve this community. Membership provides one of the major financial building blocks of our organization, and it remains one of the best ways to help it grow. As we begin our summer fundraising campaign, please consider becoming a member or upgrading your current membership to a higher level. Sign up for Membership
The summer gets off to a great start on May 28 when bingo-a-go-go presents Beach Blanket Bingo at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Proceeds from the outrageously fun event will benefit AIDS Delaware, CAMP Rehoboth, Delaware Pride, and the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door and may be purchased online (order bingo tickets), by calling 302-652-6776, or at CAMP Rehoboth.
There is much more to come in the days ahead, so watch for details about the Summer CAMP Beach House Challenge; the Boys of Summer, Love Bachelor Auction; the CAMP Rehoboth Golf Tournament; DC Cowboys and much more. Have a great summer!