Pictures

More Sunsational Details

Since 1998, Sunset at Sandy Hook, has emerged as a widely anticipated fall premiere event thanks to fabulous food, fun, dancing, terrific camaraderie and, of course, the spectacular setting.  The Sea Gulls’ Nest, with its panoramic view of the ocean and bay, inspire and enthrall event-goers.

This year, though remnants of Hurricane Ivan threatened to swamp the evening, Mother Nature held back and the upper deck was rocking with over 250 guests dancing to the awesome tunes, feasting on fabulous food generously donated by local restaurants and caterers, and engaging in the variety of games, including Clam Shell Auction, Silent Auction, and 50/50.  Guests were treated to a lush and attractively decorated event thanks to Guaranteed Plants & Florists, and a display of beautiful handcrafted fish plaques by Kathleen Gasienica, gifted to COA supporters. Guests were presented with a colorful string of fishbeads, called the "event fishstivity," which are now sure to become family heirlooms.  Coors Light and Shore Point Distributors sponsored this year’s event along with Monmouth Cardiology Associates, Long Branch.

Beachy Games of Chance

The Clam Shell Auction, coordinated by committee member Patty Gordinier, is a unique maritime twist on the old standby of "the grab bag."  Instead of grabbing a bag, guests purchase a clamshell that has a hidden number and players win the corresponding numbered prize--everyone was a winner.  Prizes were valued from $10-$290, including a toy-filled beach bucket, one-hour massage, restaurant gift  certificates, and a photography session.  In the midst of festivities, the highly-anticipated moment arrived for pulling the ticket for the terrific door prize, a sea kayak, donated by Coors Light and Shore Point Distributors.  The lucky winner was John Riley of Shrewsbury.  At the close of the evening the ticket for the 50/50 was pulled and the winner was Ellie Mondini of Monmouth Beach, who generously donated a portion of the winnings back to COA.  Shhhhhhhh.  The Silent Auction had the creative theme of "Reuse and Recycle" and featured such beautiful gifts as a restored antique mirror that was original to the Pollack estate in Long Branch (donated by Maureen and Bill Bay), a week vacation in a lake front cottage in Maine (donated by Atlantic Office Systems, Atlantic Highlands) and an estate jewelry set of a cultured pearl choker necklace with matching earrings  (donated by Gem of an Idea, Fair Haven).

Marine Melodies and Other Highlights

Guitar soloist Karl Gordinier (Patty’s husband) was kind enough to donate his talent and welcomed guests with lively tunes while cocktails and hors d’oeuvre were served.  At sunset, Ed Segall launched the traditional Sunset Ceremony at the SeaGulls’ Nest and US Congressman Frank Pallone (D-6) and NJ Assemblyman Steve Corodemus (R-11) where thanked for attending.  Line Drive kicked into high gear with fantastic groovin’ tunes that got everyone hoppin’ and the dance floor jammin’.

Volunteers Extraordinaire

Students from Brookdale Community College Culinary Arts Department, the Peer Leadership Program at Forrestdale School, Rumson, and the Rumson-Fair Haven High School Environmental Club volunteered, assisting in serving food, as well as wherever else needed, giving the event a professional touch and youthful charm.  Volunteer bartenders Rick Jones, Michael Karoly, Joe Schluter, and Scott Thompson helped spread good cheer throughout the evening.