The Ocean City Fishing Club held its first open house at the pier since the pandemic and the public responded mightily by setting attendance and donations records to benefit the local food cupboard.
On July 27, during the first of two-hour open houses scheduled this year, 1,339 people marched through the pier gate and donated 190 lbs of non-perishable food items and $957 in cash to help the Ocean City Food Cupboard feed the needy. In 2019, the two open houses combined saw 1,112 visitors, 185 lbs of food and $340 collected for the food cupboard.
“We didn’t know what to expect since the last time we held our open houses three years ago,” said Tom Yucis, OCFC president. “The public turned out and responded in a huge way and we’re happy to hold the open houses for such a good cause. I can’t wait to see what happens at the next one!”
The next open house at the pier, located at 14th Street and the Boardwalk, will be held Thursday, August 10, from 6-8 p.m. to coincide with the city’s Family Night on the Boardwalk. The public is asked to bring non-perishable food items or make a cash donation to benefit the food cupboard.
The Marine Mammals Stranding Center, headquartered in Brigantine, will again participate at the second open house. Madison Young, who apprenticed with the organization and is in her first year employed there, was on hand to explain the group’s mission and programs.
Founded in 1913, the OCFC has a strong commitment to community involvement besides helping the food cupboard. The club’s Boys and Girls Surf Fishing Tournament will held Aug. 10, rain or shine, at the north end beach near the Ocean City-Longport bridge. Registration begins at 9 a.m. for youngsters 8-16 years old. Fishing starts at 10 a.m. And ends at noon, followed by awards presentations
