September 18, 2015
The day after Labor Day has traditionally been known as Survivor’s Day, and it used to be that restaurants in the area would close for the day and do something special for their employees. I don’t know how many establishments, if any, still do that, but here at CAMP Rehoboth we always close on Survivor’s Day—mainly because none of us can move after being on our feet for a solid week of Sundance set-up and breakdown! Now that we’ve had a little rest, all of us are feeling better, and celebrating the success of another summer season. This is the September issue of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth, and the first in our Fall publishing schedule. Now that summer is past, look for a new issue of Letters once a month, instead of every two weeks as they have been all summer long.
The last days of summer are always defined for us by Sundance, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who supported Sundance 2015 and helped us to clear more than $135,000 to support the work of CAMP Rehoboth. Sundance couldn’t happen without the amazing efforts of hundreds of Sponsors, Supporters, Hosts, auction donors, volunteers, and event attendees, so be sure and check out our Sundance thank you list on page 12-14 of this issue. When DJ Joe Gauthreaux played his current single “You Are My Family,” at the dance, and “The Beast” of a mirror ball exploded in light, it was another reminder of the fantastic strength and support that comes from the Rehoboth community. Thank you all for another great Sundance! You are, indeed, our family!
The Rehoboth Beach Convention Center has been the home of Sundance for more than 20 years, as well as multiple other CAMP Rehoboth related events, including Women’s FEST, concerts, and more. Starting in late 2015, the RBCC will be closed for construction all through 2016. Like many other organizations in town, we’re a little nervous about a year without the Convention Center, but we’re already seeking creative solutions to the problem. Women’s FEST base of operations will be Atlantic Sands Hotel and Conference Center. That doesn’t work for Sundance, but we’re confident we will find something that does, so pay no attention to the rumor that there will not be a Sundance next year. It just might be the best one yet!
On September 26, AIDS Walk Delaware will take place simultaneously on both ends of the state. Produced by AIDS Delaware and the Delaware HIV Consortium, the Wilmington AIDS Walk will take place at Riverfront, and the Rehoboth Beach AIDS Walk, at Grove Park. To register to walk go to AIDSWalkDelaware.org or call 302-652-6776. To join the CAMP Rehoboth Rainbow Walkers Team, call 302-227-5620 or register on the AIDS Walk site and select CAMP Rainbow Walkers. On the day of the Walk and at both locations, registration is 9 a.m., and step-off is 10 a.m.
The next big thing on the CAMP Rehoboth horizon is, of course, our 25th Anniversary Silverbration Celebration Weekend, October 9-11. Member ticket sales began shortly after Sundance, and they are now open to the public. Friday, October 9, 7-11 p.m., is the Silver Gala, featuring Christopher Peterson and The Funsters; Sunday, October 11, noon to 4 p.m. is the Silver Block Party on Baltimore Avenue. Silver Gala tickets are $100, $125 (includes table seating), or $1,500 for a table of eight. Admission to the Block Party is a suggested $10 donation. Block Party Vendor Packages are available at CAMP Rehoboth.
Back in 2003 Murray wrote in his CAMPmatters column: “the vision ‘to be the heart of the community’ defines the spirit of CAMP Rehoboth; the Mission Statement is our law, our constitution, the base upon which we operate and upon which our decisions are made.” As we celebrate CAMP Rehoboth’s 25th Anniversary, that statement is still true. Join us in October as we celebrate “the heart of the community.”
