Little Silver, Shrewsbury

Jan 12, 2018

Clean Ocean Action Goes Dancing in the Moonlight 

By Lori Draz

Peeka and Art Tildesley, Laurie and Mark Jeffers, and Lisa Luckett. Jim Lobiondo, Cindy Zipf, and Paul Lobiondo

On December 2, the serious work of protecting the waterways took a pause when more than 250 guests danced under the stars at Clean Ocean Action’s (COA) “Dancing in the Moonlight” fundraiser, held at the lovely Windows on the Water at the Surfrider Beach Club in Sea Bright. Mother Nature blessed the event when the spectacular full super moon cast its heavenly light over the sparkling ocean. It seemed to be saying “thank you” for all the tireless work the dedicated advocates of clean water have done over the last 20 years.

New Jersey was once known as the “Ocean Dumping Capital of the World,” but thanks to the hard work of so many, the Jersey shore is now an international vacation destination and highly valued place to live. “Dancing in the Moonlight” celebrated the 20th anniversary of the end of ocean dumping.

The Lobiondo family, who owns Surfrider Beach Club, recognized this victory and graciously welcomed COA into the moon-and-star-themed event, decorated by For the Love of Details. Tito’s Handmade Vodka got the party started at the cocktail hour, which included a famous Lusty Lobster raw bar, delicious passed hors d’oeuvres, the music of the Stringbean Band, and a selfie photo station. The party then moved upstairs to the elegant ballroom and heated rooftop tent to enjoy chef Pete Cruz’s delicious, sea-and-moon-inspired dinner, followed by a super fun donut dessert wall.

The guests dined and danced all night long to the Thom White Band while they bid on silent auction items that included a limited-edition copper fat tire beach bike by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, specialty pieces from local artists, wellness packages, and more.

Special thanks to the event’s sponsors, Bayshore Recycling, Shore Point Distributors, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, the Tildesley family, and to all the donors. To learn more and get involved with Clean Ocean Action, visit www.cleanoceanaction.org.