Visitors to the Ocean City Fishing Club’s second Open House at the Pier this year brought more food than ever before to benefit the local Food Cupboard.
When last Thursday’s two-hour open house ended, 1,641 people filled barrels with 297 lbs of non-perishable food and donated $2,200 for help stock the local agency’s shelves.
Combined with the totals from OCFC’s July Open House at the Pier, 3381 pier visitors this year brought 497 lbs of food and donated $4633 to help the Food Cupboard feed the needy.
“I can’t help but feel a sense of pride in a community that steps up to help those less fortunate,” said Augie Conte III, OCFC president. “Even in towns like ours—Shore towns with so many summer residents and visitors—there are still people who need help to put food on the table. We’re glad to host these open houses to help stock the food cupboard.”
The club will host two Open House events at the Pier during the 2026 season from 6-8 p.m., with the following day as a rain date, if needed. Visitors again are encouraged to bring non perishable food items or can make cash donations to help feed the needy. The open houses coincide with the city’s Thursday evening Family Night on the Boardwalk program.
At each open house, OCFC volunteers station themselves at various locations on the pier to answer questions and to help take photos for visitors with the Atlantic Ocean and Boardwalk as scenic backdrops.
The traffic onto the pier was steady and enthusiastic, with many expressing thanks to the club for welcoming them to tour the pier. The club has been holding open houses on the pier to benefit the Food Cupboard since its centennial celebration in 2013.
The OCFC, a private fishing club, has a strong commitment to community involvement through programs that include the open houses, the youth fishing tournament, OCHS scholarships and advocating for recreational fishing. Founded in 1913, it is the oldest, continually operating fishing club in the United States. The Ocean City Fishing Club opens its doors to the public twice a year, and the event is held in conjunction with the city’s Family Nights.
Dennis and Sue From Garnet Valley, PA said, “We have been coming here for 40 years together, and have never seen the inside of the pier. This is so special, as we have a deep love for this city and have always wanted to see the inner parts of this gorgeous pier! Thank you OC Fishing Club for this opportunity we waited 45 years to see!”
We have Betsy, Chad and their wonderful children, Sasha, Barney and Lydia.
“Chad proposed to me under this pier!” Betsy proudly stated. “This is a special night for all of us. We both have been coming here since childhood over 40 years and have never been lucky enough to see this pier,” said Betsy. “It is breathtaking! Thanks OCFC!”
Now three generations have achieved that goal!
Joan on the left, daughter Kelly on the right , and the third generation is sandwiched in the middle, Kieva!
Hailing from Marlton, they have always wanted to walk the boards of the Club! This is a dream Joan stated, and to share it with my daughter and granddaughter makes it so very special!
On their way out , Mike, Mary and granddaughter Hailee marveled at the beautiful views that the pier provided.
We waited 53 years for this, and the wait was worth it!
