This year marks the 14th annual Sunset Party, hosted by Clean Ocean Action (COA), an ocean advocacy non-profit. Based on Sandy Hook, COA is the only full time regional coalition that works exclusively for a clean ocean off the coasts of New Jersey and New York.
The “Seaside Sunset” benefit, an event filled with food, drink and music will be on Friday, October 5th from 6-10 PM, serves as an opportunity for COA to raise funds for its ocean protection work, a respectable environmental endeavor. Clean Ocean Action goes a step further however, and strives to make the event as sustainable or “green” as possible.
Location
COA begins walking the talk with the location of the benefit. Seaside Sunset will be held at McLoone’s Pier House in Long Branch, a “Green Certified” restaurant by the Green Restaurant Association. To be certified, McLoone’s had to become environmentally responsible in the fields of water efficiency, waste reduction and recycling, sustainable furnishings and building materials, sustainable food, energy, disposables, and chemical and pollution reduction. McLoone’s also has a full-scale recycling program, uses no Styrofoam and performs yearly education and communication programs about the environment.
Focus on Local Businesses
While the evening’s menu will include a buffet designed by McLoone’s Chef Joe Racioppi, Seaside Sunset gives local businesses a great opportunity to demonstrate their support of a clean and healthy ocean. A decadent raw bar by Lusty Lobster Seafood Market & Catering, a unique spread of artisan cheeses by Sickles Market, local and family owned and operated for four generations, and coffee donated by Booskerdoo Coffee Roasters will be served. Dynamic desserts will be provided by Wholesome Catering, an all organic, gluten-free “catering with a conscience” business. Also, our auction and raffles will be filled with unique, ocean-friendly gifts and services with a focus on New York and New Jersey small businesses and local/regional restaurants.
Menu
The menu for Seaside Sunset includes U.S. swordfish, which is considered “sustainable seafood.” Sustainable seafood is from either fished or farmed sources that can maintain or increase production in the future without endangering the ecosystems it came from. According to the Blue Water Fishermen’s Association, the sustainable seafood movement has grown as more people become aware of overfishing and environmentally-destructive fishing methods. The U.S. swordfish that will be served at Seaside Sunset is sustainable because the levels at which fishermen are catching it do not threaten the long-term survival of the stock.
Clean Ocean Action’s Seaside Sunset event looks to promote protection of the ocean and raise awareness of current ocean issues in an environmentally friendly way. From the menu, to the local businesses involved and the location of the event, Seaside Sunset is sure to be an amazing evening with a low ecological footprint! To purchase tickets or read more about the event, click here.
