The Woman Extraordinaire—Ann Evans
Ann Evans, a volunteer with CAMP Rehoboth for over 10 years, has been instrumental in keeping the heart of CAMP Rehoboth’s Membership program pumping. She began her incredible journey with CAMP Rehoboth in 2011, after suffering the loss of her brother, Al Bulliner, in January of that year. “Al was a big supporter of CAMP Rehoboth,” said Evans, “and I knew volunteering and putting my skills to good use was one way I could honor him and contribute to his legacy.”
Murray Archibald, one of the founders of CAMP Rehoboth, shared his gratitude and appreciation for Ann: “CAMP Rehoboth was built on the dedication and service of its volunteers and supporters, and Ann Evans has been both. Although she may have started volunteering as a CAMPcierge, it was when another great volunteer, Charlie Lee, passed away in 2015 that Ann assumed many of the day-to-day responsibilities for managing the complicated CAMP Rehoboth Membership Program, along with Jack Morrison. It was (and remains) a vital role within the organization. Steve (Elkins) and I were deeply grateful for her unwavering commitment to the task. Even more, we were honored to call her a dear friend, and were constantly cheered by her kind and loving support.”
Ann concurred, saying “I loved being welcomed by the founders, Murray and Steve. And when Charlie passed away, I jumped in and they were consistently appreciative of my efforts.” She added, “A lot has changed about CAMP Rehoboth, but I hope those in charge will always remember its roots and never stop working for change or equality—especially when it comes to the youth. The community, new staff, and our youth need to know and be taught the history.”
Among those sad to see Evans step down from her volunteer role is Jane Blue, Board Chair of the Membership Team. “Ann is the woman extraordinaire, not only in her personal life but also in her CAMP life! I have relied very heavily on Ann and her accuracy so that timely information about membership payments and activities were readily available to the staff and Board.”
The funds brought in from supporters provide a large proportion of the dollars CAMP Rehoboth needs to support its work in the community. The incredible team who has kept the membership program strong for many years is composed of Jane Blue, Ann Evans, David Carder, and former staff member Barb Ralph (now retired). David Carder will also step back from his role as Ann leaves her volunteer position. All of these individuals contributed significantly to our strong organization, and we thank them!
Blue noted the program’s growth: from 2015 to today, membership has risen from 750 to over 1,200 (over 1,900 individuals, taking households into account). That means, at a minimum, data entry plus one snail-mail letter to each member. Those who do not respond in a timely manner could receive up to two additional mailed reminders, a phone call or two, plus a final notice that their membership had lapsed. That adds up to approximately 2,300 letters and literally hundreds of phone calls per year, much of it falling to Ann Evans and David Carder.
“Hats-off to one very special lady whose fingers dance across the computer keyboard!” said Jane. “We will definitely miss her friendliness and dry sense of humor. She has an innate willingness to help, and we knew that the job would be done correctly. Thank you, Ann, from the bottom of my heart. You made my responsibility enjoyable and rewarding. I shall miss her more than she will ever realize.”
Many of us at CAMP Rehoboth feel the same about Ann Evans—a witty and wise community member extraordinaire. Jack Morrison, who helped with membership, said “Ann has always been committed and generous. Her dedication and many hours each week were an inspiration.”
David Carder, her indispensable volunteer counterpart, said: “Ann made handling things seem easier to accomplish thanks to her patience. I will miss working with her and being part of something that had such purpose.”
When asked about favorite memories, Ann said with a laughing wink, “David (Carder). It’s like he and I have been married for eight years. He has been the best work husband anyone could ever have asked for…and now we’re divorcing!” She then paused for a long moment, seemed to get serious, and said, “Probably in all of my volunteer years it was the day that Steve overheard me talking to someone and I said something silly about being “the resident straight person” at CAMP Rehoboth. Steve did not miss a beat, and yelled from the next room over, ‘Who are you kidding, Ann? You’re as gay as the rest of us!’” ▼
Anita Broccolino is Development Director for CAMP Rehoboth