Celebrating 35 Years of Ocean Advocacy with Clean Ocean Action

On Friday, November 1st over 200 supporters of Clean Ocean Action gathered to celebrate the organization’s 35 years of ocean advocacy. The event, formally called the “Ocean Celebration”, took place at Windows on the Water in Sea Bright, NJ.

Stringbean Blues provided live music during the Tito’s sponsored cocktail hour, Tom Zapcic Photography

Sporting various shades of ocean blue, the attendees were treated to a raw bar provided by Lusty Lobster, appetizers, dinner and desserts prepared by Executive Chef Pete Cruz, complimentary beer and wine from Shore Point Distributing Company during cocktail hour, and delicious mixed cocktails provided by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. The Stringbean Blues Band provided a mellow vibe for the cocktail hour and this was followed by the up-tempo rock of RipTide during the final hours of the event. While some danced the night away, others got their share of excitement from the robust silent auction and an exciting electric bike raffle. Overall, it was a huge success for the ocean as all of the funds raised from the night will go directly to Clean Ocean Action’s vital ocean conservation programs.

Ocean Celebration Committee Members
Top L to R: Peeka Tildesley, Alison Fragale, Bonnie Torcivia, COA’s Cindy Zipf, Sandy Henning, Jeannette Yorke; Bottom L to R: Mary Jane O'Hare, Mary Thompson, COA’s Mary-Beth Thompson, B Mahon

COA is grateful to the remarkable committee: Alison Fragale, Anna Garofalo, April Puciata, B Mahon, Bonnie Torcivia, Derek Noah, Etta Kelly, Jeannette Yorke, Kathleen Gasienica, Kathleen Scatassa, Kathleen Tobin, Keri Branin, Linda Walker, Lydia Bagarozza, Mark Haviland, Mary Jane O'Hare, Mary Thompson, Peeka Tildesley, Sandy Henning, Stephanie Frankel, Stevie Thompson and Sue Germaine.

Committee Member, Stephanie Frankel enjoying the buffet in the heated rooftop tent,
Tom Zapcic Photography

Waves of thanks to our sponsors and supporters including Crazees Ice Cream, Guaranteed Plants & Florist, Litwin & Provence LLC, Montecalvo & Bayshore Family of Companies, Lusty Lobster, Rumson Wine & Spirits, Shore Point Distributing Company, Thompson Memorial Home, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Windows on the Water.

L to R: Tito’s Handmade Vodka Bartender Nick Frigo with Elliot Kaplan, State Manager NJ for Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and COA’s Cindy Zipf

Silent Auction at the Ocean Celebration, Tom Tzapcic Photography

Jim Lobiondo (left) of Windows on the Water pictured with Cindy Zipf (right) of Clean Ocean Action,
Tom Tzapcic Photography

COA Board Member Bonnie Torcivia pictured with husband Will Rutan,
Tom Tzapcic Photography

L to R: Spencer Munson of Clean Ocean Action pictured with electric bike raffle winners Alex Purdon and Maya Speelmans, Tom Tzapcic Photography

RipTide rocking and rolling at the event, Tom Zapcic Photography

From L to R: Todd, Tyler, Mary, Stevie and Scott Thompson, pictured with Mike and Sue Siegfried, Steve Walker, and Joe Schulter. Tom Zapcic Photography

From L to R: Matt and Rachel LaMura pictured with Anna and Joey Garofalo