'Dancing With Dolphins' fundraiser to be held in Atlantic City Oct. 5

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, the only facility in New Jersey that cares for marine mammals as well as sea turtles that strand along the New Jersey shoreline due to injury or sickness, will host its third annual “Dancing With Dolphins” fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 5. The event will take place at the end of the Pier Shops at Caesars, located at 1 Atlantic Ocean in Atlantic City, from 7 to 11 p.m.

Photo by Jack Reynolds
Seals are known to strand along LBI.

A nonprofit organization, MMSC has rescued over 4,000 animals since its foundation in 1978. All proceeds from the fundraiser will directly support the organization’s operations and programs, including a comprehensive educational program, which includes off-site teaching, outreach, internships and summer camps.

“Although the past two years were important for raising funds, this year is especially so because of federal budget cuts, which left us without government funding,” said Sheila Dean, co-director of MMSC. “Last year’s event was held in August, and little did we know that we would see more than 150 dolphins ashore in the months that followed.

“We hope to have the support of all New Jersey coastal communities because we are always there for them. It so often goes unnoticed that the MMSC is the only organization that is authorized in the state of New Jersey to rescue, rehabilitate and release dolphins, seals and sea turtles because as soon as the animals land on the beach, we are there to protect them.

“MMSC relies on the support of individuals to help us to continue the work that has been ongoing for the past 36 years,” she added.

A raffle drawing for a $2,200 diamond necklace as well as a silent auction, music and other live entertainment will be available throughout the fundraiser. Light fare and a full-service bar are also included.

Tickets to the event cost $75 for individuals 12 or older, or $30 for children 11 or younger. Tickets can be purchased by calling the MMSC office at 609-266-0539 Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Event attire is dressy casual.

For more information, visit marinemammalstrandingcenter.org or call 609-266-0539.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.