This is the August 10th issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth! How did that happen? Seems as if last week was Memorial Day! I suppose summertime is always like that: over before we know it. This summer, however, has a few great weeks left, and barring another hurricane (knock on wood!), the last weeks of August are often some of the best of the season—maybe just because the summer is almost over, and we all get a little nostalgic.
Speaking of getting nostalgic, with the approach of summer’s end, our attention turns to the biggest event of the year: Sundance 2012. This year, as we’ve said over and over this summer, we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Sundance. For Murray and me, it’s hard not to get emotional about all the many years we’ve done this event. It has become part of our lives, and a part of the fabric of our community. Over the 25 years of Sundance, the event has cleared more than two million dollars for AIDS organizations and CAMP Rehoboth. Again this year, hundreds of Hosts, Supporters, Sponsors, Auction Donors, and Volunteers will make this anniversary event possible. In his CAMPmatters column in this issue, Murray takes a look back at past Sundances, and remembers the long road we’ve traveled over the years. Sundance is a two night event at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center: Saturday, September 1 is the Sundance Auction, and Sunday, September 2 is the Sundance. Tickets are $80 for both or $45 per night, and available on the CAMP Rehoboth website or by calling the CAMP Rehoboth office.
We’re still talking about the success of Typhoon Judy, and our deepest thanks go to Christopher Peterson, Darrin Hagen, Jerry Birl, and Mini Bear Graphics for the amazing evening. Most of all, thanks goes to our CAMP Rehoboth angel, Bruce Pfeufer, whose contribution made it possible for us to gross $58,500 from the sold out performance. Thank you Bruce! Your generosity changes our world.
Last week I had the pleasure of hearing John Berry, the director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management speak at an Obama/Biden fundraiser here in Rehoboth Beach. John holds the highest ranking position of any openly gay official to serve in the executive branch of any administration, and his impassioned plea reminded all of us there that President Obama has done more for gay rights than any other president or candidate. John was joined by Jeffery Lerner of the Democratic National Committee at the event; together they painted a very compelling picture of why we all need to work hard for candidates who we feel best support our interests.
On the state level, Equality Delaware is also encouraging us to support candidates who will support us. On July 29, Equality Delaware’s Lisa Goodman and Mark Purpura presented an LGBTQ summer update at CAMP Rehoboth that included discussions about: federal and state relationship recognition, repeal of DOMA, transgender rights and protections, immigration issues, and youth initiatives. Equality Delaware recommends that, though there are many worthy candidates, there are several who they feel need our support, including: Nicole Poore, Chris Counihan, Kim Williams, Marie Mayor, Mike Katz, and Andy Staton. Go to EqualityDelaware.org for information.
Sundance week kicks off with the Sundance 5k: Run, Walk, or Sashay. Directed by Seashore Striders as a benefit for CAMP Rehoboth, the 5K is Sunday, August 26. The race begins at 7:30 a.m., with registration beginning at 6 a.m., and it starts and finishes at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. The 5K will be held rain or shine, but as we learned last year, not in a hurricane (again, knock on wood!). Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in 16 age groups. Best of all, there will be prizes for best costume! To register online, go to seashorestriders.com; $25 registration fee (by August 14), or $30 (by August 24).