The check presentation ceremony included, from left to right, Joe Kuerzi, fiancé of Nicole Pacera (Terry’s daughter), Joseph Pacera (Terry’s husband), Mayor Jay Gillian, Surf Chair Program Coordinator Kristie Fenton, City Councilman Dave Winslow and Community Services Director Dan Kelchner. (Courtesy of Ocean City)
Ocean City accepted a $26,000 donation to its popular surf chair program on Friday afternoon.
A local family made the donation in memory of Theresa “Terry” Pacera, who passed away in September after a battle with brain cancer.
The beach at 52nd Street in Ocean City was Terry’s happy place, and the surf chairs helped her enjoy her final months with friends and family
In lieu of flowers, the family asked for donations to the surf chair program. A memorial plaque that will be affixed to the surf chairs reads, “In loving memory of Theresa Pacera … Where the waves meet the shore, your spirit lives on.”
Surf chairs make it possible for people with limited mobility to navigate the soft sand on the beach. The free program is part of Ocean City’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility in all parts of town. More information is available at ocnj.us/accessibility.
“I want to thank the Paceras and all the people who contributed to the memorial fund that made this donation possible,” Mayor Jay Gillian said in a news release. “It’s a great way to honor her memory.”
