Clean Ocean Action Brings Attention to Coastal Businesses [AUDIO]
After six months of helping to remove debris, repair homes, and helping the Shore recover from Sandy, Clean Ocean Action's Waves of Action program moves into its next phase.
The Waves of Action was created as a response to the overwhelming need to connect volunteers with projects in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.
Since then, the day of volunteerism has been held every month and focuses on a different theme.
Lindsay McNamara, Programs and Communication Associate for COA, notes the theme for May is support for coastal businesses.
"We're trying to support coastal businesses and really bring people back to the beach in time for Memorial Day," McNamara says.
She says there will be groups like surf lessons and sessions with chamber of commerce groups in addition to the traditional projects, which she says aren't going anywhere.
"I think the goal of Waves of Action is always going to be a moving target."
The organization will also host a party on May 18 called the Back to the Beach Ball, which will be held in the Berkley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park. It will have music, food and entertainment to celebrate six months of volunteerism through Waves of Action.
"We're going to have a slide show projected up on the wall. Photos of each project so far and some facts and thank you's to the volunteers," Says COA Event Coordinator Emily Hackett.
Registration for the Back to the Beach Ball can be attained here.