Kevin McKinney and Michael Satchell
Michael and Kevin both grew up in the Richmond, VA area where they attended local high schools in the “fabulous ‘70s.” Michael went into the Army and Kevin attended Virginia Tech for Architecture.
Once they were “world ready,” each moved to different cities (Kevin to Philadelphia and Michael to Washington). Michael launched a career in modeling and won the title of “Most Up and Coming Male Model.” Modeling soon led Michael to tours in New York, London, and Paris, however, to pay the bills, he worked for National Pawn Brokers for 14 years in Alexandria, VA, where he acquired a strong taste for “bright shiny things.”
Kevin’s career path led him into building schools around Virginia and Baltimore, and at the age of 35 he became a Developer (with a partner) and together they built residential neighborhoods in Richmond throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Although they lived in different cities, their relationship was always strong, until they realized they’d “had enough of the long distant love affair” and settled on a home together in 1999, in the small waterfront town of Colonial Beach, VA (located on the Potomac River, one hour from DC). “That sleepy town of 3,500 never knew what hit them when these two gay boys moved in.”
In 2007, despite building the tallest waterfront condo, 30 custom homes, owning a hotel, and Michael owning “the best restaurant on the water,” when the front page headline read “Not Just No but Hell No” to their proposed new waterfront hotel project, they “packed up the wagon and came to Rehoboth to retire.”
Here in Rehoboth, Kevin works as the Project Director for the Coalition for West Rehoboth, Inc, and Michael is a bus monitor for the Cape Henlopen School District. They have been married four years and have four children, Kevin Jr, Geraghty, Sean, and Stefen. Michael loves to cook, entertain, and fish, while Kevin still loves building all kinds of things and traveling.
When/why did you start volunteering at CAMP and what events/activities have you participated in?
We started volunteering with CAMP in 2007 at the Black and White Beach Ball. We’ve also worked with Sundance, the action committee, and have bartended for various events.
What’s your best memory volunteering here?
We both love the Black and White Ball because we get to ham it up on stage for the guests while raising money selling art so that CAMP can continue its great mission.
What does CAMP Rehoboth mean to you?
CAMP Rehoboth is Steve and Murray. Their passion, dedication of equality, health and safety of our community, drives all the volunteers to want to do more to help them help us.
First thought that comes to mind when you hear the word “Rehoboth.”
Equality…what a great place to live.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the off season?
The off season in Rehoboth is the best time, especially Sept and Oct…the beaches are beautiful and the water is still warm…we love to bundle up and walk the beaches hand in hand with the feeling of being so blessed.
If you could spend a full day with one person, who would it be? Why?
There is no one we enjoy spending time with more the each other. Life is so, so short! Love the one you’re with as hard as you can.
Fast forward or rewind? If you could go ahead in time or back, which would you pick and why?
Back in time, although we have wonderful children, we missed so much true love because we were afraid to come out and be together because of the way society looked at and judged us. If we could go back, we’d follow our hearts and not live by how others viewed us.
Host-with-the-Most! If you could pick any four people to invite for dinner, who would it be and why those people?
There’s no one truly better than the next. Yes, there are good, bad, rich, poor, famous and beautiful, so we could have dinner with any four people and find great qualities and differences in each.
Lost! If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you (other than food and water)?
My husband, his fishing pole and sunscreen…which equals great sex, good food and a fabulous tan…woof!
Early bird or night owl? Why?
Early birds, morning is best. Work hard and play hard. There’s nothing worse than missing the whole day.
You’ve just won the lottery. What’s the first thing you’d do with your winnings?
Keep Michael away from jewelry and shoe stores! In reality, life is good, health is good, so extra money would just give us more time to enjoy each other and help others.
Favorite part of a wedding?
The vows, they make you cry. Then the party...food, family and friends.
Pet peeve(s)?
Rudeness, summer traffic, and cheap booze.
What was your best job ever? Worst?
Michael’s best was modeling, and worst was taking care of a dying friend. Kevin’s best is helping rebuild West Rehoboth, while the worst was working in a hot dog factory each summer to pay my way through college.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Why?
Hawaii is breathtakingly beautiful.
What are you most thankful for?
Each other!
Kevin and Michael: It’s such a pleasure working with both of you at CAMP Rehoboth events because your presence is always so welcoming and joyful. We’re very fortunate to have the support of such a wonderful and loving couple. Our sincere thanks!
Know someone whose efforts should be considered for the CAMP Rehoboth Volunteer Spotlight? Email your suggestion.