The Creating Experiences Gala honoree, Frank Donato, III, Ocean City’s director of finance and coordinator of the Office of Emergency Management accepts recognition, flanked by United Methodist Communities President and CEO, Larry Carlson (left) and Vice President of Operations, Carol McKinley. (photo courtesy UMC)
Over 200 people attended Creating Experiences, a gala in support of United Methodist Communities (UMC) at The Shores, on Friday, Oct. 12.
The event was held at the Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point, and raised $130,000 from live and silent auctions, and sponsors and gala admission, according to a UMC press release.
The proceeds will support planned physical changes to The Shores and complements the goal to be "Creating Experiences" for not only their residents, but also for individuals and groups within the Ocean City community at-large.
The shared living and learning spaces include redesigned common areas and lobby, and new Community Lecture Hall and three dining areas.
UMC President and CEO Larry Carlson acknowledged very generous contributions made by the lead sponsors: Sweetwater Construction Corporation, presenting sponsor; Hawks & Company, entertainment sponsor; Lockton, beverage sponsor, and Sodexo, auction sponsor.
He also recognized Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian; Council President Peter Madden; Business Manager George Savastano; Police Chief Jay Prettyman; United Methodist Church of Greater N.J. Cape Atlantic District Superintendent, Rev. Brian Roberts; UMC Board of Trustees Chair Nona Ostrove; and UMC Foundation Board Chair, Rev. Ed Carll.
Emcee Rev. Marcia Stanford, pastor of the Macedonia United Methodist Church, welcomed and thanked guests and sponsors for coming. She shared a story about volunteering at The Shores and her encounters with residents. Later, she delivered an invocation and blessing before dinner.
The gala honoree, Frank Donato III, serves as Ocean City’s director of finance and coordinator of the Office of Emergency Management. The Shores honored Donato for his commitment to ensuring community safety, maintaining open lines of communication, and preparing and alerting residents of weather emergencies and evacuations.
“Tonight, we formally kick off our plans to improve the experiences of The Shores’ residents, as well as visitors from near and far. We are blessed to be a part of ‘America’s Greatest Family Resort,’” said Jessica Stewart, The Shores executive director and member of the gala steering committee.
Contributing sponsors that bolstered the fundraising included: Atlantic Trust, PNC Bank, McCarter & English, WSI Digital Marketing, DataPro, ProviNet, Direct Supply, Image Revolver, Baker Tilly, Esposito, Kiker and Associates, Symbria, Merz, Ultimate Software, Provident Bank, PMA Companies, HJ Sims, RLA Thom Reichert, 1st Constitution, Masterpiece Marketing, Perkins Eastman, Onshift, Aetna, Insight, Central Jersey Insurance Associates, Expense Consulting, and McManimon Scotland Baumann. Johnson’s Popcorn, HDG Engineering Surveying Environmental, Fortress Financial, South Seaville Camp Meeting, Loveland Garrett & Batastini, AngelicHealth, and McMahon Insurance Agency stepped up as local sponsors. Following dinner, guests danced to music by Tim McCloone & The Atlantic Coast Band. As tokens of appreciation, guests took home complimentary containers of Johnson’s Popcorn and salted caramel truffles, courtesy of Shriver’s.
Gala honoree Frank Donato III, Ocean City’s director of finance and coordinator of the OEM, accepts recognition with UMC President and CEO Larry Carlson (left) and Vice President of Operations Carol McKinley. (Photo courtesy UMC)
