Supporters of the Ocean Beach Community Fund danced the night away at the organization’s annual fundraising gala on the evening of Aug. 3. More than 150 guests gathered on the decks of Windswept, headquarters of the Ocean Beach Youth Group, overlooking the bay as the sun set and music filled the air.
The theme for this year’s event was A Night on the Bay, and Disc Jockey Karin Ward, based out of Palm Beach and New York, was the featured artist. Ward is a third-generation Ocean Beach native and is well known for playing at Hamptons tea dances and large events such as NYC Pride on the Pier. After being featured in the Community Fund’s 2018 gala, the board was eager to welcome Ward back to play classic dance tunes and a selection of new music.
“We are thrilled that so many people participated in our main event, either by buying a ticket, bidding on auction items, or buying a raffle,” said the organization’s Co-president Holly Etlin. “Thanks for supporting the Community Fund.”
Over $12,000 was raised in a silent auction of more than 120 donated items, baskets, and gift certificates from local businesses and families. For the first time, the auction was conducted virtually, with current high bids and bidders displayed on screen during the event. The winners of the cash raffle were Mia Koo and Evan Lobel.
“It was a little different this year but a lot of fun,” said Community Fund Co-president Trudy Hennessey. “The food was done as stations instead of a buffet line and was very well received.” Prime rib, assorted mashed potatoes, cheeseburgers, pasta, and tacos were among the items prepared by local restaurants for guests. Two full-service cocktail bars and a seafood bar serving oysters and shrimp were set up on the outdoor decks.
By 8 p.m., the dance floor was full and food was served. Dancing continued throughout the night until the party ended at 11 p.m.
Proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will benefit the Ocean Beach Recreation Program, which is operated by the Ocean Beach Youth Group in association with the Community Fund. The program offers pickleball, basketball, and volleyball, as well as a weekly program for teens called Teenswept. A new volleyball court was built by the Recreation Program on the beach at the end of Surfview Walk this summer.
The Ocean Beach Community Fund was established nearly 40 years ago to raise money and perform volunteer work to benefit the residents of Ocean Beach and the neighboring communities. The Ocean Beach Historical Society is operated by the Fund. Projects such as the refurbishment of the Windswept building, the Fourth of July Children’s Parade, dock concerts, the annual arts and crafts show and children’s craft show, as well as the annual flea market are also sponsored by the Community Fund. A total of 22 directors, including this writer, currently serve on the non-profit’s board. For more information about the Ocean Beach Community Fund, visit www.oceanbeachcommunityfund.org.
