• Letters from CAMP Rehoboth
    • Current Issue
    • Past Issues
    • Advertising Information
    • Where Can I Get Letters?
    • The Write Stuff
  • Events
    • Block Party 2023
    • SUNFESTIVAL 2023
    • Women's FEST
    • CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Ensemble - Music of the Night
  • Programs
    • Arts & Culture
    • Education & Advocacy
    • Health & Wellness
    • Community Building
    • CAMP Facilities
  • About Us
    • Membership
    • Volunteers
    • Board of Directors
    • CAMP Rehoboth Staff
    • Reports and Financials
    • History
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Press
  • Resources
    • Beach Guide Directory
    • LGBTQ Resources
    • LGBTQ Providers
    • LGBTQ Delaware Data
    • Trans & Nonbinary Resources
    • BIPOC LGBTQ Resources
    • LGBTQ Local and National Resources Guide
  • Contact
  • Shop
close× Call Us 302-227-5620
close×

Search form

GA4 Tracking Code

June 27, 2014 - Volunteer Spotlight by Steve Elkins

Chris Beagle

(Editor’s note: Chris, of course, usually writes this column, but I wanted to make sure that he is also recognized as a valuable CAMP Rehoboth volunteer.)

Born and raised in Danville, PA, Chris earned a Bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University in 1988, and a Master’s from Penn State in 1993. It was there that he met his future husband, Eric Engelhart. 

Chris and Eric bought their first home in New Hope, PA in 1997. In 1998, after 10 years working in hospitality operations, and management, and as a corporate Director of Training and Development, Chris took a leap of faith and entered the mortgage industry. Three years later he established an independent mortgage brokerage that he operated for the next five years. 

In New Hope, Chris served on the Board of Directors of the New Hope Chamber of Commerce, and in 1999 was elected to the Board of FACT (Fighting AIDS Continuously Together) Bucks County, where he served for seven years, including terms as Vice President and President. 

He and Mychal Harrison, founded the New Hope-Lambertville AIDS Walk in 2000. The two became best friends, along with Eric, and, in its 15th year, cumulative monies raised have surpassed $1,000,000.

Chris and Eric began vacationing in Rehoboth in ’96. They rented a beach house with friends for several summers and in ’03, bought a second home. Their initial goal was to retire by 55, but those plans were accelerated as they made the full-time move in ’06, when Chris began working with GMAC Mortgage. 

In the spring of 2010, Chris transitioned into full-time real estate and has been an agent at Berkshire Hathaway, Gallo Realty ever since. Post civil union passage in 2011, he and Eric combined their love of hospitality into a business called Flair, Event Planning Services. 

Chris currently serves on the Board of Equality Delaware, and was elected to the CAMP Rehoboth Board in 2009, now serving as Vice President. The couple reside in Rehoboth, along with their fur-kids, Abbey and Chloe. 

When did you start volunteering at CAMP and what events/activities have you been involved with?

In 2006, I ventured into the Convention Center to see if I could help with Sundance. Working with the décor team was a good match for me and, like so many, I’ll never forget the first time I was taught to do linens the “Murray way.” I’ve worked with the Black and White Beach Ball, the former Love Weekend, and since joining the Board in 2009, founded the Sundance 5K in 2010, coordinated CAMP’s float in the annual Holiday Parade since 2010, renewed the Bachelor Auction, helped to coordinate 6 Futcher Drive’s annual 4th of July Pool Party (2010-present), among other events and fundraisers. 

What’s your best memory volunteering here?

While many, foremost in my mind, however, was in the form of advocacy. For a kid from rural PA who never thought he’d see the day where he could marry the love of his life, being asked to testify for the civil union and marriage bills here in Delaware, along with you, our dedicated and talented Executive Director, and my dear friend, was a memory I will treasure the rest of my life. I was incredibly proud to be in Legislative Hall, representing CAMP Rehoboth and the voices of so many same-sex couples across this great state, telling our stories of love and asking for fairness and equality. We prevailed! 

What’s your favorite CAMP Rehoboth event and why?

Sundance. For over a quarter century, it’s been the most successful fundraiser of this amazing organization. Working under Murray’s leadership and vision, the volunteers develop a camaraderie and sense of pride in achievement that is difficult to explain. Many of you reading this and shaking your head in agreement right now know exactly what I mean. It’s a beautiful thing. 

Favorite season here at the beach and why?

The fall. Like so many of us who fell in love with Rehoboth in the summer, there’s nothing like the beach in September and October. The ocean is at its warmest, the crowds have lessened, and we can find parking! 

Best year of your life and why?

1988-1999. While losing my beloved maternal grandmother that year was the low point, I became the first person on my mother’s side of the family to graduate from college (Bloomsburg University), began my graduate education at Penn State, and met a handsome student there named Eric Engelhart. 

Favorite holiday and why?

I’ve always loved Christmas, not only because it’s my birthday, but for nearly 25 years, Eric and I have established so many traditions…decorating, cookie day(s), Christmas eve and day with my mother and stepfather, dinner parties with close friends, and savoring as many moments together as possible. I would be remiss if I didn’t add that year after year my mother and Eric have made sure there’s dedicated “birthday time” (Christmas night) and it has always meant the world to me.

You’re given the ability to name the 11th commandment, what would it be?

Thou shall not discriminate against anyone for any reason, ever! 

Name three events that shaped your life to where it is today.

In 1988, the decision to attend grad school at Penn State and teaching a class where I’d meet a student whom I’d fall in love with and marry 23 years later. In 1999, being elected to the Board of FACT Bucks County. Not only did I/we meet a best friend in the process, but it began a 15 year run of volunteering and serving the community. In 2003, buying our second home here in Rehoboth. Our next door neighbors, Kim Grim and Kelly Phillips, became two of our best friends, and because Kim and I both worked in the mortgage industry (she still does), she recruited me to work with her. Our plan then was to move here full time and early retire by 55. That would have been the year, 2020. Instead, it happened in 2006. As the saying goes, it all happens for a reason.

Your best vacation ever was to?

Our San Fran trips have been wonderful, and we travelled to Sydney, Australia for our 40ths, but our best vacation was our honeymoon to Paris in April, 2013. The most romantic city, with the man of my dreams. It was the trip of a lifetime. 

What are you most thankful for?

So much! Amazing friends, our supportive families, and our chosen family…you all know who you are. Our beloved, Abbey, and her sister, Chloe. Our godson, Calder. Our home. Living in Rehoboth. The special relationship I’ve shared with my beautiful mother, Marie Haag, for my entire life. My stepfather, Ken. And last but not least, I’m most thankful for my husband, Eric. Thank you, honey, for showing me that loving a man was completely normal and for teaching me what true love is. You complete me and have made me the luckiest guy in the world. I love you.

Chris, we are so appreciative of the years you (and Eric) have spent working with CAMP Rehoboth. You make our lives so much better!

Know someone whose efforts should be considered for the CAMP Rehoboth Volunteer Spotlight? Email your suggestion.

‹ June 27, 2014 - Buzz Worthy by Deb Griffin up June 27, 2014 - Volunteer Thank You ›

Past Issues

Issues Index

  • February 7, 2014 - Issue Index
  • March 7, 2014 - Issue Index
  • April 4, 2014 - Issue Index
  • May 2, 2014 - Issue Index
  • May 16, 2014 - Issue Index
  • May 30, 2014 - Issue Index
  • June 13, 2014 - Issue Index
  • June 27, 2014 - Issue Index
    • June 27, 2014 - Acknowledgments
    • June 27, 2014 - The Way I See It by Steve Elkins
    • June 27, 2014 - Speak Out - Letters to Letters
    • June 27, 2014 - In Brief
    • June 27, 2014 - CAMPmatters by Murray Archibald
    • June 27, 2014 - CAMP Out by Fay Jacobs
    • June 27, 2014 - View Point by Richard Rosendall
    • June 27, 2014 - LPAC's Agenda by Fay Jacobs
    • June 13, 2014 - CAMP Stories by Rich Barnett
    • June 27, 2014 - CAMP Talk by Bill Sievert
    • June 27, 2014 - Before the Beach by Bob Yesbek
    • June 27, 2014 - Straight Talk by David Garrett
    • June 27, 2014 - Booked Solid by Terri Schlichenmayer
    • June 27, 2014 - Sundance 2014 by Nancy Sakaduski
    • June 27, 2014 - We Remember
    • June 27, 2014 - Eating Out by Fay Jacobs
    • June 27, 2014 - Buzz Worthy by Deb Griffin
    • June 27, 2014 - Volunteer Spotlight by Steve Elkins
    • June 27, 2014 - Volunteer Thank You
    • June 27, 2014 - Ask the Doctor by Michael J. Hurd, Ph.D., LCSW
    • June 27, 2014 - CAMPshots Gallery Index
    • June 27, 2014 - CAMP Arts by Doug Yetter
    • June 27, 2014 - CAMP Dates
  • July 11, 2014 - Issue Index
  • July 25, 2014 - Issue Index
  • August 8, 2014 - Issue Index
  • August 22, 2014 - Issue Index
  • September 12, 2014 - Issue Index
  • October 10, 2014 - Issue Index
  • November 14, 2014 - Issue Index

Follow Us

Follow us on Social Media!

RECEIVE WEEKLY EMAIL

Information

  • Letters
  • Events
  • About Us
  • CAMP Center

Support CAMP

  • CAMP Membership
  • Volunteer
  • Contact Us
  • Donate
Copyright © CAMP Rehoboth, 2023
  • p. 302-227-5620
  • info@camprehoboth.com
  • 37 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971