Cold Drinks Bring Warm Memories to Sick Kids

WILDWOOD – Swimmers and sun worshipers who settle their sand chairs on Wildwood’s Leaming Avenue and Rio Grande Avenue beaches can add doing a good deed to their list of summer fun.
With the addition of two food concession stands this year beach goers finding themselves in need of a quick bite or a cool drink can walk a few feet and be treated not only to a tasty meal, but to a cool drink that will quench their thirst and will help make wishes come true for children with catastrophic illnesses.
Every Monday and Friday from noon until 3 p.m., proceeds from all Pepsi products purchased at both Marriner’s Tiki Hut locations, will be donated to the Make a Wish Foundation.
The idea of bringing philanthropy to the beach is the brainchild of singer Martin Kozak who has been singing to raise funds for Make a Wish Foundation since 2008.
Sitting beneath an awing next to Marriner’s Leaming Avenue location, Kozak strums his six string and sings from a repertoire that spans classic country music to Jimmy Buffet. Accompanying him on the psaltery is Judy Frame.
According to Kozak, bringing his music to the beach is a labor of love. Retiring from his job as a rural route letter carrier after a 32 year career, he decided to follow his dream of being a guitar player and singer.
“I always wanted to be a professional guitar player,” he said. “But I didn’t sing until I was 40.”
“We were looking for someone to play on the beach,” explained Frank Marriner, manager of the food concessions. He said it was Kozak and Frame’s idea to volunteer to sing and donate their tips to Make a Wish was the duo’s idea.
Kozak said he has been playing throughout the area since 2008 and has always donated the proceeds to Make a Wish. “We do it for fun,” said the musician. “We don’t divvy it up, we just give to Make a Wish.”
With an ocean view, sunny skies and a cool breeze blowing, a gig on the beach may be one of the best venues he’s ever played, Kozak said. “Time goes fast down here. I like it. It’s something different.”
As part of Wildwood’s commitment to making its beach user-friendly, this year marks the first for Marriner’s two beachfront snack shacks. The city’s two newest eateries are situated on the beach between the Convention Center and beach slide.
“It’s a great thing on the beach,” said Director of Beach Services Ryan Troiano. “You can eat phenomenal food and listen to really good music all while helping a great cause.”
“We’re not selling a lot now because we’re new,” Marriner said. To help boost donations, Pepsi has offered to donate all proceeds from soft drink and bottled water purchases made during Kozak’s appearances. He and Frame bring their brand of music with a heart each Monday and Friday from noon until 3 p.m.