Group Makes Kids' Boating Dreams Come True On Barnegat Bay

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — More than 700 children and their families were treated to a special day of fun, sun and boat rides last weekend as the group Shore Dreams for Kids marked its 16th annual event making special summer memories for kids.

Shore Dreams for Kids is a group of volunteers from all over New Jersey and surrounding areas who share a love of boating and want to share that love with others, particularly children with special needs, children with life-threatening illnesses and other children who otherwise may never be able to experience the thrill of power boating, according to its website.

The event included carnival rides, food, games, music and other entertainment. But the focal point of the event is the boat rides, Geralyn Monroe of the group's board of directors said in a post on the Poker Runs America website.

With more than 25 boaters donating the use of their boats and their time, the children from the Special Olympics, Children’s Specialized Hospital and ARC of Monmouth and Ocean Counties as well as special needs children from the surrounding area, got to take a ride on Barnegat Bay.

The event is funded through sponsorships, donations and fundraisers. Wakefern, the parent company of ShopRite, donated food for the event. The local Elks lodges assist with volunteers and more, and there were dozens of other people who helped, Monroe said.

"For a lot of these families, this is the only chance they have at a vacation or getaway at the Jersey Shore and they look forward to it year after year," the Poker Runs America article said. "The Board of Directors would like to thank everyone who gave their support to Saturday’s event."

Seaside Heights Mayor Anthony Vaz was in attendance, and the event was blessed with good weather.

Shore Dreams for Kids is a 501(c)(3) charity that picked up where the former Day on the Bay Foundation left off in 2000 after10 years of events. Shore Dreams has expanded from just serving Special Olympics athletes to serving children through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ocean of Love, and more.

"The success of this event is credited largely to our sponsors, who lend their names and financial support to the event. Our event would cease to exist without the help of a wide variety of companies and individuals who donate their time, services and hearts to this one-day event," the group said. "The reward of seeing the smiles and children’s eyes light up from all that is shared with them is truly immeasurable."

For more information,visit www.ShoreDreamsForKids.org

Photos and video by Christopher Guzman, Ocean County Scanner News