By Krystle J Bailey
The Last Splash Ocean Awareness Festival will take place at the Absecon Lighthouse Saturday, September 17th from 12:00-6:00pm. The first annual event will raise money for the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and the Absecon Lighthouse while offering community members an opportunity to gather in celebration of local’s summer at the Jersey Shore.
The day will be overflowing with awareness, education, gratitude, inspiration, and togetherness, all centered around a love for the ocean that we call our home. Vendors, workshops, costume contests, and family-friendly activities line the schedule, and guests are invited to come dressed as a mermaid or pirate.
Inspiration for this ocean-themed fundraiser came from the heart and mind of Mandee Elam, co-founder of Sea Goddess Healing Arts. Elam has felt a deep connection to the ocean and the ecosystem that lives beneath the surface since she was a child. Growing up in Brigantine, Elam recalls feeling drawn to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and the work that they were doing from a young age. While moving around a bit from the hills of Vermont to the mountains of Colorado, Elam’s heart remained tied to the ocean, which ultimately led her back to Brigantine.
Upon her return to the sea, she began volunteering at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center while simultaneously founding Sea Goddess Healing Arts – a collective of heart-led artists, artisans, and intuitive healers based in Atlantic City. Through the community work that Elam was involved with, she began to build a relationship with Jean Muchanic at the Absecon Lighthouse. The Last Splash Ocean Awareness Festival is culmination of the relationships she’s built and a passion for the ocean and healing properties of Absecon Island.
Absecon Lighthouse, founded by Jonathan Pitney in 1857, was viewed by the late doctor Pitney as one of the best places for holistic healing. Pitney believed that the sea breeze and salty air were the keys to impeccable health. First lit on January 1, 1857, the Absecon Lighthouse remains the tallest in New Jersey, towering at 171 feet.
The 240 steps to the top of “Abby” offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean where deep below the surface, whales, dolphins, and other sea life have their homes. The land we live on has been used for industrialization and healing long before we came along. A healthy ocean maintains a healthy land for the local communities that continue reside on our shore.
“I love the ocean and the mammals that live there,” shares Elam. “It breaks my heart that we ruin their home with our trash and our society of constant busyness that we don’t even realize we are killing other living beings around us. I just can’t turn my back on that.”
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is the only Federally-authorized animal hospital in the State of New Jersey that responds to sealife in distress. The MMSC has responded to over 5,800 marine mammals and sea turtles since the beginning of their rescue mission in 1978.
The Last Splash combines the love of the land, sky, and sea shared by Sea Goddess Healing Arts, MMSC, and The Absecon Lighthouse. It is an opportunity to celebrate and honor the ocean and all of its inhabitants while spending time with the local community, enjoying music, food, and festivities.
Mandee believes that there is power in planting a seed. Simply being aware of the ecosystems around us and how we can take better care of them can create ripples that last forever. Come out on Saturday, Sept 17 for a day of celebration, inspiration, and fun.
Follow Sea Goddess Healing Arts on Instagram and Facebook for information and updates.
If you’d like to be a vendor, please complete and submit the online vendor application form on www.SeaGoddessHealingArts.com.
If you have questions or want to be a performer, workshop instructor or volunteer please email: SeaGoddessHealingArts@gmail.com.
For corporate sponsorship information please email: Jean@AbseconLighthouse.org.
The Last Splash
Saturday, Sept. 17
12-6 pm
Absecon Lighthouse
31 S. Rhode Island Ave.,
Atlantic City
Free
