Thanks to Local Businesses!

The economic climate is a tough one right now for everyone, particularly for small businesses. We are all struggling and non-profits are no exception. We couldn’t hope to accomplish our goal to protect and enhance our bays without the help of others, which is why we’d like to publicly thank those businesses and organizations who have provided us with opportunities to raise money even as our economy is in the midst of major challenges.
In the past year or so there have been several events designed solely to raise money for the Coastal Bays Program.
• In October the 707 Bar and Grille sponsored a golf tournament at Eagles Landing Golf Club to benefit the MCBP. It was their concept, and for a first time event it was quite successful.
• The Original Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille in North Ocean City made us the recipient of their December Funds for Friends program for the second consecutive year.
• Last month Seacrets allowed us to collect all cover charges between 5 and 9 pm on a busy Thursday night.
• More than 55 participants competed in the first annual catch and release White Clam Open at Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill on Aug. 9. All proceeds from competition entry were donated to the MCBP.
• The Ocean City Development Corporation allowed us to host its Free Music Tuesday concert at Sunset Park in Ocean City Aug. 11, with guest artist Randy Lee Ashcraft and the Saltwater Cowboys.
Businesses have helped in other ways as well. In March we made our first foray into the Delmarva Irish-American annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Thanks to the help of Denny Sharp of High Tide Marine, Su Lane of Sun Signs Ryan Murphy and Shane Murphy of Go Green Painting & Home Improvements we were able to create a fabulous float that went on to win first prize. We should also thank D3 Corp for helping us rebuild our very expansive website at a vastly reduced price.
And although they are technically not business owners, we must also thank Jim and Bonnie Griffin who last month donated one adult and one child’s bike to our canoe and bike rental stand. The couple work for the stand, which is located at Assateague Island National Seashore, and decided to help us out with the donation, valued at $425.
As in previous years, the town of Ocean City, as well as Jolly Rogers owner Buddy Jenkins, will donate items or services for Coast Day on Sept. 19. On October 3 we will hold our 10th annual Osprey Triathlon. We already have many sponsors, which we will publicly thank in a separate column as the event gets closer.
We thank those businesses, groups and individuals (we hope we haven’t forgotten anyone) helping us continue our mission to preserve and protect the bays behind Ocean City and Assateague through research, education and outreach programs. We hope and believe that such generosity is also good for business. We know it’s good for our bays.

If you’d like to help, please contact our new development coordinator Sandi Smith at sandis@mdcoastalbays.org.