David Garrett
Born and raised in Enola, PA (outside of Harrisburg), David earned a Bachelor degree from Messiah College and a Master of Divinity degree from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
While most of us remember 9/11 as arguably the most horrific day in our lifetimes, for David and his wife, Marti, it’s a very different memory. Having met on a blind date in June, 1998, the couple were married on Sept, 1, 2001 and got stuck on their honeymoon due to the tragedy of 9/11.
Fast forward over a decade later, the couple came to Rehoboth because Marti had vacationed here for 50 years and in August, 2012, they bought a condo in the Grande at Canal Pointe. Today, they are “building their dream home” in the same development. They will share their home with their white lab, Maddie.
David is now the Executive Director of the Eastern Building Materials Dealer Association and in June will take on the Executive position with the Delaware Apartment Association.
When did you start volunteering at CAMP Rehoboth and what events/activities have you been involved with since?
I began volunteering in May, 2014. Due to not being full-time in RB, I have not been able to spend as many hours at CAMP as I would like. Once our home is complete in June, I will be able to be more active.
What’s your best memory volunteering here?
Helping with Sundance last September. I was amazed at the creativity and detail of the decorations, the many volunteers needed to make it happen, and the response of the community to the event.
Of the many events held by CAMP Rehoboth in our 25 years, which is your favorite and why?
I would say that CAMP Rehoboth Chorus is my favorite. While the concerts the Chorus put on are the events, per se, the rehearsals and preparation for the concerts are what make this so rewarding. The relationships with fellow singers are lasting. The opportunity to sing is almost a sidelight to being part of the Chorus.
Favorite season here at the beach and why?
Uhhh, summer, of course! I love the sun, time on the beach, and the relaxed atmosphere you cannot avoid. In spite of the crowds, summer is best!
Name a childhood mentor or someone who influenced you while growing up.
Dave Hackenburg was my band director in high school. He recruited me to play trombone. When I was ready to quit, he encouraged me to stay with it, and then I got better at it, and still play today! He gave me an outlet in which to grow and develop my musical skills, along with new friendships in high school.
If you had an extra hour in the day, what would you do?
Walk the beach!
Favorite U.S. city and why?
Pittsburgh. I got my Masters degree there, and fell in love with the city. I moved there in September, 1978, in the heyday of the Steeler Super Bowl years and the Pirates Pennant in 1979. Of course, I wear the black and gold!
Night owl or early riser and why?
Early riser. I find the quiet of the morning to be refreshing (with coffee in hand) and a great way to start the day.
Best year of your life and why?
This year! Marti and I sold our two PA properties, and we are building our dream home. We are now full-time in RB and I begin a new job in a Delaware-based association in June. Lots of stress, but lots of good times in RB ahead!
Favorite holiday and why?
Christmas. The season of giving is contagious, and regardless of your faith, this sense of sharing and giving to others is what life is all about.
The LGBT community has made significant progress in the fight for equality over recent years. Did you expect to see this in your lifetime and why or why not?
Yes, I did. The LGBT community has been disenfranchised for too long, and I am excited about the changes that have taken place and continue to develop. There is still progress to be made, and the Supreme Court ruling in June should make same sex marriage the norm in the U.S.
Name three events that have shaped your life to where it is today.
1. My friendship with Bob Sheehan. He was a mentor who always cared about other people, regardless of their station in life. He honored everyone and made them feel special. This included African-Americans, those with disabilities, the LGBT community and others, even before these groups were a “cause.”
2. The death of my mother in 1984. She was 55 and died of lung cancer. The death of a loved one makes us realize how fragile life is, and helps us appreciate life that much more.
3. My marriage to Marti has given me new purpose and new love. Approach-ing our 14th anniversary, we are as much in love now as the day we married.
Describe an ideal date night.
My ideal date night consists of dinner out with my wife as well as other couples. Marti and I enjoy each other’s company, but we also enjoy sharing our time with friends.
Yet another long political Presidential primary season lies ahead. Who do you expect to be nominated by each of the main parties?
Hillary as the Democratic nominee, and Marco Rubio as the Republican nominee.
What are you most thankful for?
I’m most thankful for knowing that I belong here in RB! I have a strong sense of belonging with my church, my community, my marriage, my friends, and my job. Above all those, I know that I belong as a volunteer at CAMP Rehoboth. My strong sense of being an ally, and as the parent of a transgender daughter, give me conviction, purpose and love for the work that CAMP Rehoboth does every day!
On behalf of the staff and Board of Directors of CAMP Rehoboth, thank you for the contributions you’ve already made and we look forward to working with you as you settle in to full-time life here at the beach. Both you and Marti help to demonstrate exactly what makes this wonderful place so special, where their truly is “room for all.” Best wishes in your new home!