All the Deets Fit to Print

Sundance XXXIII: United in Love officially kicks off Sunday, August 30, at 6 p.m. and runs through Saturday, September 5, at 8 p.m.

Hosts, Supporters, and Sponsors get weekly insight emails with the Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How? (And Why Not?). They also get t-shirts, our gratitude, some special offers from area businesses, our love, first previews, and the satisfaction of helping so many causes during this tough time. 

While Sundance will continue to accept pledges for Hosts, Supporters, and Sponsors, anyone can “come” to the “event” and auction. “Tickets” are free and advance registration gets you important pre-event information. We can’t invite you to an online event if we aren’t connected online! 

Connect to Sundance from the CAMP Rehoboth website and select FREE TICKET. Invite your friends too! The more, the merrier. You’ll want to be in the room where it happens. 

Everyone Is Asking: What Will This Virtual Sundance Look Like?

Auction? yes!

Eating & drinking? you bet!

Dancing? like nobody is watching!

Hugs? virtually!

Sundance Auction Goes Online from August 30-September 5! If you’ve signed up as a Host, Supporter, Sponsor, or free ticket, you will receive a link to the online auction and an invite to the kickoff. 

The Bidding Starts After the Kickoff! You will have six days to place your bids, starting right after the August 30 virtual kickoff party, where we will celebrate the auction opening and CAMP Rehoboth 30th anniversary year! The kickoff, less than 30 minutes starting at 6:00 p.m., will feature brief remarks and important tips. 

Preview the Auction! Look for a preview of the auction in the next issue of Letters and in your inbox. Some of the funds raised through the auction will support three local nonprofits whose work directly coordinates with CAMP Rehoboth’s advocacy mission and values: Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, PFLAG-Rehoboth Beach, and Immanuel Shelter.

Sundance Goes to Town! Throughout the week, from August 30-September 5, there will be special Sundance At-Large activities with events benefiting CAMP Rehoboth at the Purple Parrot, Full Belly Café, The Pines, Iron Hill Brewery, and with the Rehoboth Beach Film Society, where you can elbow-bump other Sundancers. The full calendar for advance planning goes out via email to all our Hosts, Supporters, Sponsors, and anyone pre-registered. There will be dine-in and take-out options. Weather permitting and COVID notwithstanding, the support we give the community benefits us all. Let’s have fun!

Sundance Celebrates! We aren’t going to lie, the Saturday, September 5 Sundance Experience will not include a livestream dance party. But it will be fun, entertaining, and include shopping, merch, and more chances to support the cause (and it is less than an hour). The entire community will gather virtually to hear tributes from special guests. 

After-Party at Your House! To plan for the after-party (at your home, that is), Hosts, Supporters, and Sponsors also receive our virtual “party-in-a-box” with some fun surprises and links to playlists from our Sundance DJs Robbie Leslie, Stephen Strasser, and Joe Gauthreaux. Something for everyone includes Classic Disco, Tea Dance, and Contemporary House songs you'll love. Plan for a party #atyourcomfortlevel#atyourhome and turn up the volume! Start planning your outfits and be warned that our Room Rater might be observing you!

Mark Your Calendars!

Sunday             August 30            The Kickoff starts at 6 p.m. Auction runs through 9/5 at 8 p.m.

Monday             August 31            Iron Hill Brewery

Tuesday            September 1       Movies at the Rehoboth Beach Film Society

Tuesday            September 1       Lefty's Alley & Eats 

Wednesday      September 2       Movies at the Rehoboth Beach Film Society 

Thursday          September 3       Purple Parrot

Friday               September 4       The Pines

Saturday           September 5       Party at YOUR house. The Experience starts at 6 p.m. 

The 2020 Pivot and Swirl

2020 hasn’t turned out the way that anyone expected, but at CAMP Rehoboth, this sow’s ear has turned into a wee silk purse. Efforts to connect to the widespread community have yielded new opportunities for programs, outreach, advocacy, and friendship. With nearly a dozen virtual programs each week, two new staff positions filled with talented professionals, and stronger bonds with nonprofits whose work closely aligns with CAMP Rehoboth’s mission and values, we have learned some new dance steps. Thank you for continuing to support the important work that we do every day. 

·    United in Community: CAMP Rehoboth and our volunteers have been proud to step-up during this challenging time. For instance, over 750 pounds of food was collected for the Food Bank of Delaware. CAMP Rehoboth and Iron Hill Restaurant and Brewery partnered together to help address the increased demand for food assistance amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

·    United in Support: In a time when many LGBTQ youth were cut off from their friends and only support networks at school, CAMP Rehoboth decided to expand our online THRIVE youth programs, resulting in the creation of networks for young people who may not have support in their own homes, where they are forced to quarantine. LGBTQ youth are also finding their own voice in a new regular column in Letters from CAMP Rehoboth.

·    United in Action: This year CAMP Rehoboth became a partner of ActionLink, working in partnership with LGBTQ community centers around the country to speak out on the policies that impact our community, such as the recent Trump administration policy change rolling back policies that protect transgender people from discrimination in healthcare.

·    United in Hope: CAMP Rehoboth provided the Diversity & Sensitivity Training pre-season training for all area Park Police. It included not only LGBTQ training, but Person Of Color and gender-sensitivity education as well, something that benefits the entire community, not only those who identify as LGBTQ.

·    United in Health: Throughout the pandemic, CAMP Rehoboth has continued to offer HIV testing and counseling, working closely with the Division of Public Health to maintain this essential service for all Sussex County residents. We've recently begun offering HIV self-testing kits. Since launch, 50 folks have taken advantage of at-home self-testing for HIV.