Sponsors and Partners Make Sundance Shine
More than 1,500 people enjoy the two Labor Day weekend events that make up CAMP Rehoboth’s Sundance each year.
While some come to support the organization’s good works and others come for the fun (and most come for both), a sometimes-overlooked part of Sundance are the sponsors and community partners coming together to make both the auction and the dance over-the-top successes.
From the top-shelf food served during the auction and the busy open bars both nights to the lavish auction items themselves and over-the-top atmosphere and decor, Sundance is an unparalleled experience for participants
Of course, there’s a new, long, and celebratory name for the event each year. The first night of Sundance 2019—Rainbow XXXII: Ultraviolet Disco Day-Glo Sunrise (it’s a good one!) will be the auction on August 31, from 6 to 9 p.m.
That night, attendees will enjoy food by the award-winning Plate Catering by SoDel Concepts, a long-time Sundance sponsor. Known for their farm-to-table style, using fresh, local ingredients, Plate Catering will provide a generous cocktail buffet that also includes vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb options.
Sundance is known for its all-night open bars for both the auction and the dance. Long-time Sundance bar manager Rob Dick knows exactly how much it takes to fully stock the open bar, provide staff to tend the bars, and keep partygoers happy. CAMP Rehoboth Annual Premier Sponsor Smirnoff ensures that at least when it comes to vodka, the party never runs dry.
For those sponsors who donate at the $500 or above level, there is a Sponsor Lounge at the dance, with its own bar and bartenders. It’s a comfortable space to enjoy all the excitement. In addition to access to the Sponsor Lounge, these donors receive extensive publicity, visibility, tickets, t-shirts, and other benefits. Think about it, please.
There wouldn’t be an auction without sponsors and partners. For example, each year, the award-winning travel agency Accent on Travel provides a luxurious trip that is one of the most sought-after items at the auction.
“As owners of Accent on Travel, headquartered in Rehoboth Beach, my husband Rick and I are honored to be a premier sponsor for CAMP Rehoboth,” says Annette Nero Stellhorn. “I fully support efforts for understanding and respect for all people in the community. Accent on Travel is fortunate to have first-class travel companies willing to collaborate with us to enhance our donations to the Sundance auction. We choose travel offerings that not only provide an LGBTQ-friendly travel environment but also, just as important, an exceptional travel experience.”
This year, Accent on Travel is donating a river cruise for two on U by Uniworld, with sailings offered during 2019 or 2020. “Our goal,” says Stellhorn, “is for the winner of our Sundance auction trip to come back from their vacation saying it was their ‘best vacation ever’.”
Also on the roster of donors is Olivia Travel, which has been donating amazing trips to CAMP Rehoboth for over a decade now. While the details of this year’s trip itinerary have yet to be determined, it is certain to be exciting. Olivia Sales Representative Linda Kemp says “It’s always an honor to support CAMP Rehoboth; we have so many women from the area traveling with us and really feel like a part of the community. And I love to watch the exciting live auction!”
Several companies have sponsored Sundance for years. “Katie and I have been sponsors for CAMP Rehoboth since we moved here 15 years ago,” says Gwen Osborne, who co-owns Signarama with her partner, Katie Handy. “We are proud to be a part of such an inclusive giving organization. We are meant to show grace and mercy to all whom we meet along our journey in life, and we see CAMP Rehoboth as a role model in our community for bringing communities together in harmony.”
“We’re delighted to support CAMP Rehoboth,” says Terry Plowman, publisher of Delaware Beach Life magazine, another Sundance sponsor. “Serving as one of their media partners allows us to help them make their support dollars go farther.”
Sundance 2019—Rainbow XXXII: Ultraviolet Disco Day-Glo Sunrise promises to be the biggest and best Sundance ever and will include the enormously popular Sundance Disco Twilight Tea Dance that premiered last year.
The funds raised support the health of the local community and the fair and equitable treatment of everyone, no matter what their sexual orientation or gender identity. In 2018 alone, CAMP Rehoboth outreach programs served over 6,500 individuals and its health and wellness programs served nearly 10,000.
Sundance offers two nights of fun. The first event (August 31, 6 to 9 p.m.) features a silent auction, live auction with auctioneer Lorne Crawford, music by Stephen Strasser, and an all-evening cocktail buffet and open bar.
The second night (September 1) is the two-for-one Sundance, which includes the Sundance Disco Twilight Tea (7 to 10 p.m.) featuring DJ legend Robbie Leslie, and the traditional Sundance (10 p.m. to 2 a.m.) with music by DJ/Remixer Joe Gauthreaux and lights by Paul Turner. Tickets are $50 for one night, $90 for both.
Purchase tickets here. For Host/Sponsor information, call Murray Archibald at 302-227-5620.