‘The Catch’ Fundraiser Benefits Nature Center, July 15

CAPE MAY – At this point in Cape May’s “Summer of 17” there are two groups of people in this town; those who were seen at the “Catch” and those who were not! If you were of the former group you danced to the sounds of “Geezer,” dined on delicious locally sourced seafood, sipped wine or perhaps a custom cocktail made with Papas Pilar Rum. All this while enjoying a venue that was and is literally second to none…anywhere. If you were of the second group, well, I’m sorry for you; maybe we’ll see you next year. To put it succinctly, this year’s “Catch of Cape May” was indeed a “catch!”
The “Catch of Cape May” (popularly referred to as simply, “The Catch”) is a fundraiser that benefits the Nature Center of Cape May. It is the Center’s major fundraiser and as such is critically important to the Center’s financial well-being. The Center is self-supporting and depends on a wide array of programs, dedicated funds and individual donations to in order to meet the needs and desires of this community. Perched on the south rim of Cape May Harbor the Nature Center fulfills another important role in the life of this community. In this role it serves as the de facto steward of Cape May’s beautiful Harbor environment, a Harbor is critically important to Cape May’s economy, ecology and recreation.
The Catch of Cape May continues to be, in every sense a celebration of Cape May’s “Other Side.” Consider this year’s venue, picturesque Harborview Park, which is that sliver of land situated directly across Schellengers Creek from the Lobster House. Next, consider the principle culinary selections which included raw oysters from Gustavo and Lisa Calvo’s Sweet Amalia oyster farm and fresh scallops from Cold Spring Fisheries, which served as the main ingredient in an amazing scallop based ceviche prepared by the Ebbitt Room. Oysters, of course, are all the rage and were much in evidence. In addition to the Sweet Amalia’s, wildly popular Cape May “Salts,” were provided by Atlantic Cape Fisheries. As is its tradition, the “Catch” continued a Nature Center tradition of showcasing “under-utilized” species caught in local waters by local fishermen. This summer’s featured catch was “Cape Shark,” much to the rave of the attendees. “Cape Shark” is a uniquely Cape May offering which is both sustainable and delicious and was furnished by Lunds Fisheries and prepared by the caterer, Executive Catering. Landlubbers were certainly not left out since chicken dishes were available along with salads and much, much more.  
Unlike other events where drink tickets must be purchased, everything at the Catch, food, entertainment and alcohol, was included in the cost of a ticket. And there was no shortage in selection or quantity of wine, beer, Tito’s vodka, Mike Hard Lemonade or Papa’s Pilar Rum. Dancing and live music was once again provided by the very popular “Geezer Band” who returned for their third year in a row. The band occupied “show center” and set up in the middle and largest gazebo where their music could be enjoyed by everyone. The silent auction is always an important component of the Catch and this year was no exception. This year’s Catch even included a Live Auction with the always engaging Joe Domenico serving as auctioneer.
From the beginning, Sanctuary Director Gretchen Whitman hoped to make this year’s Catch as “green” an event as possible. Consequently, the organizers avoided plastic by furnishing reusable mason jars for drinks, cloth napkins, by borrowing real silverware from the United Methodist Church on Washington Street and using only recyclable materials. Even transportation to the event continued with the “green” theme. Situated as it is, virtually in the middle of this City, getting to Harborview Park posed little difficulty and most attendees either walked or parked nearby, while others rode bikes, drove golf carts or utilized a shuttle provided by Cape May Carts. 
After her welcoming remarks, Whitman introduced New Jersey Audubon president Eric Stiles who thanked the volunteers, sponsors, vendors and everyone in attendance for participating in this signature event. He then went on to reiterate the importance of the Nature Center of Cape May to the life of this community and its environmental well-being.
Whitman was ably assisted by her Nature Center staff composed of Brendan Schaffer, Christine Hansen, Erin Rawls and, especially, her highly engaged Catch of Cape May Committee composed of co-chairs Susan Burgos and Krystina Kennedy, Helen Dolan, Carol Domenico, Christine Hanson, Megan Magill, Talia McMullen, Meg Miller, Hannah Nelson, Leigh Patton, Meghan Protasi, Pat Ford Roegner, Emily Rarig, Diana Wunder, Michael Baker and Mark Allen. This year’s Catch would not have been possible without the event sponsors which included Platinum sponsors, Jersey Cape Realty, Bob & Martha Kennedy; Silver sponsor Sturdy Bank and Bronze sponsors, DeSatnick Real Estate, and Global Risk Partners. For the first time, donors were able to purchase entire tables. Rich & Mary Brautigam, Jim & Helen Dolan, Richard & Anita Kaufield, Susan & Luis Burgos took advantage of this opportunity, while Gram’s Beach Service purchased an entire table to honor the U.S. Coast Guard.  
When selecting Harborview Park as the venue, Whitman knew that she would need the assistance of both the City’s Building and Grounds and the Police Departments. She received ample support from both. Len Benstead from the DPW and Detective Dekon Fashaw were willing and engaged partners in this year’s Catch of Cape May and both deserve our thanks as well as our respect. 
Like all great harbor towns such as San Francisco, Charleston, New York and Annapolis, Cape May has her challenges but sitting there last Saturday night with the Coast Guard lights glowing from across the harbor and Blue Bone music drifting over from the Harborview Restaurant, I was struck by how incredibly lucky we are to call this place, “home.” This summer’s Catch of Cape May was truly a celebration, a celebration of our collective life here on Cape May’s Other Side.