Sand Angels World Record Attempt To Mark Sandy Anniversary

As Jersey Shore residents approach the fifth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, OceanFirst Bank is inviting people to take part in an unusual commemoration that will help others.

On Oct. 28, people will gather on the beach in Seaside Park to try to break the Guinness Book of World Records mark for sand angels made simultaneously.

"Currently the record is 1,387 held by Ludington, a western Michigan city," organizers say on the bank's Sandy Angels webpage. "It's time to bring that record to New Jersey!"

You must register to participate in the record attempt; registration is $5 per person and 100 percent of the funds raised will go to disaster relief and recovery, the organizers said.

The funds raised will go to the Ocean County Long Term Recovery Group and the Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services.

Ocean County Long Term Recovery Group was established in November 2012 in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy and has helped more than 5,000 residents work through the recovery process. The Salvation Army has been offering assistance following natural disasters since 1900, the OceanFirst website says.

The OceanFirst website notes Guinness has strict rules and urges those planning to participate to practice.

Steps to Making a Sandy Angel:

1. Line up next to each other or spread out around the area.
2. Stand far enough apart so that when you spread your arms you can't touch the person next to you.
3. Fall gently into the sand onto your back.
4. Keep your entire body flat in the sand.
5. Brush your arms between your head and waist in a sweeping motion.
6. Move your legs apart as far as they will go and then together.
7. Repeat these motions (it's like doing a jumping jack while lying down) until you have made indentations in the sand.
8. Someone will stand at your feet and pull on your arms to help you up.
9. Be sure to get up without stepping on your sand angel or making a handprint in the middle of it.
10. All participants must make their sand angel for at least 30 seconds.

Register to participate on the OceanFirst website; click here.

They also are seeking volunteers to help with the event, and invite donations by those who can't participate but want to support the effort.

To volunteer send an email to cferro@oceanfirst.com with "Sandy Angels Helper" in the subject line.

Image provided by OceanFirst Bank