Motivations and Memories

SUNFESTIVAL would not be possible without the support of many dedicated volunteers who fill many vital roles. Those include contacting businesses and community members to be sponsors, promoting the event and helping sell tickets at pop-up locations and in partnership with local businesses, and identifying and managing the needs of our headline entertainment and incredible DJs. On behalf of the board and staff, I want to extend our deepest appreciation for all you are doing to make SUNFESTIVAL 2022 an event to remember.

We asked some of the committee volunteers to tell us why they decided to volunteer, and to share a memory of events past.

Why did you decide to volunteer for SUNFESTIVAL?

Teri Seaton, Co-Lead, Entertainment: Being part of the SUNFESTIVAL team has always been a passion of mine. The energy, commitment, teamwork that goes into producing this event is amazing. Being a part of the volunteer committee allows me the opportunity to meet and work with an awesome group of people. The creativity and motivation from a diverse group of people is incredibly rewarding. Bringing this event to the community has always been one of my most valued volunteer opportunities.

Lewis Dawley, Co-Lead, Entertainment: Having been a proud supporter of CAMP for over 15 years, once I retired, I wanted to do more. So this new journey of hands-on support began when this event returned last year. I was, and continue to be, thrilled to support the events teams and this great organization, and also leveraging my skills and passion in service.

Hannah Simone, Co-Lead, Sponsorships: I am volunteering for SUNFESTIVAL because it’s a wonderful chance to spotlight CAMP and all the good work the organization does every day. And for the dancing.
John Hackett, Co-Lead, Sponsorships: We have been long-time members of Camp (for two decades). This year was an opportunity to be more than a guest at a party or a function. The role I took on was a great fit with my business background and personality—corporate sponsorships. I am hopeful it goes really well.

Jon Kaplan, Co-Lead, Marketing/Ticketing/Promotions: With the recent political attacks on the LGBTQ community, I feel it is my duty to get involved to reinvigorate social and political action. CAMP has worked hard for LGBTQ equality and clearly the work needs to continue. As a new resident of Delaware, getting involved is a great way to meet new people and have fun at the same time.

Denise Karas, Co-Lead, Marketing/Ticketing/Promotions: CAMP has been an organization I have wanted to get involved with for a while now. It is hard not to be enthusiastic and energized when you see the tireless efforts of friends who have taken on some important responsibilities at CAMP. I have often praised our community as being a place for “givers” when I describe it to my clients who are thinking of moving here. By that I mean people who can always be counted on to help out, whether it is with their time, money, skills, or energy. It was time for me to become a “giver” myself.

Share a fond memory of attending SUNFESTIVAL and/or Sundance in the past.

Teri Seaton: 2019 Sundance and auction, to witness the community come together in support of Camp Rehoboth, was incredible. SUNFESTIVAL/Sundance is such a mainstay in this community; I look forward to this event each year. The auction and the participation from so many are ultimately what motivated me to volunteer.

Lewis Dawley: My first memory was Sundance 2002 with beach housemates and neighbor friends, all 12 of us dancing and taking in the fun and community togetherness. It was a fantastic time and an evening I’ll never forget!

Hannah Simone: I contacted most of the sponsors last year about their participation and t-shirts, etc., and actually meeting so many of those donors in person face-to-face was great.

John Hackett: Some of my favorite memories are dancing to fun music with close friends under the disco ball in the center of the dance floor. I know not to touch that sparkly sphere. Can’t wait for this year’s celebration!

Jon Kaplan: One of my fondest memories of Sundance is when the DJ would get the group dancing and singing to the song “Love is in the Air.” That song is just the epitome of Sundance and culmination of a fantastic summer. I’m so excited to dance with everyone after two challenging years of COVID!

Denise Karas: My fondest memory of Sundance was a few years ago when I was on the dance floor with a bunch of friends. Even though we were sweating profusely, all we could do was grin at each other because the music transported us back to a time when we all first met over 30 years ago, at the Renegade, or Cloud Nine, or someone’s party. For me there is nothing like the sense of community I feel when I am surrounded by all that love! ▼

If you would like to sign-up to be a volunteer, email Matty Brown at matty@camprehoboth.com.