Around the nation, the month of June is celebrated as Pride Month; Here at CAMP Rehoboth every month is Pride Month! In his CAMPmatters column, Murray—with a little help from our gay nephews—asks the question, “What does ‘gay pride’ mean in 2014?” I’d love to hear responses to that question. Email me, or post on the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center Facebook page.
Speaking of pride, we were delighted to have the Black and White Beach Ball come home to the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center this year. It was spectacularly beautiful day, and it just felt right to be celebrating in front of the rainbow wall that honors all the members of the CAMP Rehoboth Founders’ Circle. From the CAMP courtyard (filled with white umbrellas instead of our usual rainbow ones), to the main hall (with a black and white checkered dance floor), and front galleries (where the silent auction was on display), it was a great event. Once again, a very special thanks to Jen Joseph and all the crew from PNC Wealth Management—the exclusive sponsor of the Black and White Beach Ball.
The B&W Ball is just one of the many things that happen at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center, and I’ve been amazed over the last few years at the wide variety of things that have taken place in it. From weddings and memorial celebrations, to workshops, seminars, dramatic and musical performances, art shows, lectures, retreats, meetings and much, much more, we can truly feel the heartbeat of our community here. To check out the available space in the Community Center go the CAMP Rehoboth website and click on the “CAMP Center” button at the top of the home page. To reserve space at the Community Center contact the CAMP office at 302-227-5620.
This year’s Sundance Sponsor/Host information has been mailed. Anyone not on our mailing list can view the Sundance information on our website. Tickets and all sponsorship levels can be purchased on the CAMP Rehoboth website or by calling the CAMP Rehoboth office. Sundance is our biggest single fundraising event of the year, and Hosts and Sponsors make a tremendous difference to its success. I encourage everyone to sign up at one of the many available levels of support. Sponsorships (which include logo placement on printed materials), are available beginning at $1000. Supporter levels are $500-$750. Host levels are $100-$300. This year’s Sundance (Rainbow XXVII: The Love Dream—Return to Xanadu) is going to be another stunning event—please consider becoming a part of it.
Though I can’t believe the time is flying by so fast, we are counting down the months to the first CAMP Rehoboth Cruise in January of 2015. Annette and Rick Stellhorn of Accent on Travel, have done an amazing job making all the arrangements, and though we are close to selling out, they tell me we can still find room for a few more passengers. The 14 day South American “CAMP Cruise around the Cape” on the Celebrity Infinity, starts in Valparaiso and ends in Buenos Aires—tango anyone? Contact Annette at Accent on Travel (302-703-6154), or follow the link on the CAMP Rehoboth website. Now I’m going to go listen to the soundtrack of Evita one more time—our balcony on the ship just screams for a little “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina”!
I've conducted diversity training for the Rehoboth Police for over 20 years, and a few years ago I also began to provide training for the State Park Police. On June 3, I once again had the pleasure of meeting with the Park Police at Gordon’s Pond, and they are committed to making sure the LGBT community is treated fairly. I’m always inspired by the experience, and this time, one of our nephews accompanied me to the training. Just having him with me, I believe, spoke volumes about what it means to be a welcoming family—and about creating a more positive world for all of us.