The Ocean City Community Center Association unveiled a donor wall on Friday, recognizing the people who made contributions to a facility that over 35 years has become a model community hub.
The “Afternoon of Appreciation” featured former U.S. Rep. William J. Hughes Sr., an Ocean City resident who was instrumental in the creation of the Ocean City Community Center in 1979.
Hughes said his success in securing $1 million in federal economic development money for the project served as a catalyst for a community effort to raise the rest of the funding. He said the group always envisioned a community meeting place.
“But I don’t think they dreamed that it would be what it is today,” he said.
The facility now includes the Aquatics and Fitness Center, Free Public Library, Arts Center, Historical Museum and Senior Center — serving residents and visitors of all ages, all days of the week.
“We’re blessed because we have people who love Ocean City and who are committed to Ocean City,” Hughes said.
The donor wall dedication preceded a gathering in the Senior Center, where Ocean City restaurants donated an array of food and refreshments, entertainment was provided, and where Mr. and Mrs. Claus paid a visit. The event was an informal (voluntary donations) fundraiser for the OCCCA.
OCCCA Chairman Ken Cooper spoke at the donor wall ceremony, thanking all the people who donated time and money to the facility and honoring the founding committee members from the 1970s:
- Robert Adams
- Gordon Berkstresser
- Fenton Carey
- Carol Hadtke
- Dan Hughes
- Dick Kabat
- Don Pileggi
- Ron Taht
- John Walker
- Elaine Wimberg
“This really is a community center in the truest sense of the word,” Cooper said.
