Photographs by Daphne Youree/Mastic Beach Conservancy
Mastic Beach Conservancy held its second annual Bivalve Ball on Saturday October 14, 2023 at La Buena Vida Restaurant in Moriches, NY. The event, a key fundraising effort for the organization, was attended by more than 150 people and raised over $30,000 through a combination of ticket sales and a silent auction.
“We can’t thank our event sponsors enough,” said Maura Spery, the group’s president. “It’s only through the partnerships with the community and our sponsors that we are able to do the great work we do.”
This year the group honored Wendy Moore, Executive Director, Lazy Point Farms; Shameika Hanson, a Climate Adaptation Specialist with The Nature Conservancy and Peter Walsh, Education Director, Seatuck Environmental Association for their extraordinary work in the environmental sector. Each received a hand crafted piece by local artist Jessamyn Go, who owns Femme Sole, in recognition of their work. Politicians representing the area, including Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine, New York State Senator L. Dean Murray, New York State Assemblyman Joe D. Stefano, Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella and Brookhaven Councilman Dan Panico were also in attendance.
Party goers enjoyed local oysters donated by Sue Wicks of Violet Cove Oyster Co. and wine from local wineries Macari Vineyards, Bedell Cellars, Wölffer Estate Vineyard and beer from Blue Point Brewery, as well as three specialty cocktails named for local waterways. Attendees danced the night away to DJ sets by Kimbe Meares and DJ Ray Knives. Rose Kelso acted as the night’s MC and entertainment.
Sponsors included the Haugland Energy Group, The Frances and Peter Robotti Foundation, the Radical Relief Fund, and Sunrise Wind. Brooklyn-based New Information Studio provided support through signage and design.
The money raised at the event will go directly towards the group’s initiatives which includes the creation of blue/green trails, environmental education, aquaculture, regular clean ups and summer internships.
“Our key mission is to protect and conserve the publicly-accessible, recreational waterfront park throughout the Mastic Beach Peninsula. We work hard to improve the waterfront’s environmental health while making it possible for everyone to experience the area’s incredible natural beauty,” said event organizer Alex de Toth. “I’m thrilled that we could all come together, celebrate the work we’ve done and raise some money to further our mission through the next year and beyond.”
