This is the July 4th issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, and as usual at this point in the summer season, I find myself wondering that happened to the month of June. It always seems to go by in a flash! Then again, the whole summer will be over before we know it—which is a very good reason for us all to get out and enjoy it while it lasts.
In the wake of the Orlando shooting, the Boards of CAMP Rehoboth and Equality Delaware, in separate meetings on the same day, made the decision to join forces with LGBT organizations across the country in support of sensible gun control laws. For CAMP Rehoboth, the decision to join this effort was an easy one and fits well into our mission of building a “safe and inclusive” community for all. The text of the joint press release announcing the decision of both organizations can be found in the In Brief section of this magazine, and in his CAMPmatters column, Murray delves even deeper into the matter.
The tragedy in Orlando, of course, continues to weigh heavily on all of us, but on a positive note, fundraising efforts for the families of the victims and the survivors of the shooting, have raised over $6 million—with most of that money coming from a GoFundMe campaign with more than 114,000 contributors, as well as local and international fundraising efforts coordinated by Equality Florida. Here in Rehoboth Beach The Double L, with the help of CAMP Rehoboth and the Rehoboth Beach Bears, donated the door proceeds on Saturday, June 18 to the cause. The evening raised $2000. On Sunday, June 26, the Aqua Tea Dance also supported Orlando and raised over $5,000. Equality Florida is working with the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) to expedite the process of fund disbursement. They expect that to happen quickly via the NCVC’s National Compassion Fund.
This time of year, I always make a place in this column to remind our CAMP supporters to sign up to be a Sponsor, Supporter, or Host of Sundance. The event happens because it has amazing support from members of our community, so please, send in your Sundance form today, or simply go to camprehoboth.com to purchase tickets or Sponsor/Host level packages. The more time the Sundance Team spends working on our new venue for 2016 in the Rehoboth Mall, the more excited I get. I promise, no one will want to miss this one! Sign up today!
In only a little more than six months, the second CAMP Rehoboth cruise will set sail, this time for Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. We are very excited to have over 40 travelers already signed up to take part in this amazing trip. There isn’t much room left for this adventure of a lifetime, so anyone seriously considering the trip needs to sign up as soon as possible. The trip includes options for additional trips to Angkor Wat, Cambodia and Bali. To reserve a space, or for detailed information about the cruise or available options, contact Annette Stellhorn at Accent on Travel at 302-703-6154.
In recent years, the annual 6 Futcher 4th of July weekend pool party has become a well-established part of the summer season in Rehoboth Beach, and it supports the work of CAMP Rehoboth. As always, we are grateful to Mike DeFlavia and Tony Sowers and all the hosts of the party who come together to have a good time, and do it for a good cause. The suggested donation for the Pool Party is $15, and can be paid at the door or on the CAMP Rehoboth website. For the second time in as many years, Devotion Vodka is onboard to sponsor the Pool Party, and I especially want to thank Dino Minelli for his “devotion” to making that sponsorship happen. Have a safe and happy 4th of July!