Coaster File Photo
Ralph, the pier mascot, is seen on the fishing pier after most of it was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy.
The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association is scheduled to unveil its plans to rebuild its iconic Ocean Grove Pier Sat., July 30 at 6 p.m. on the boardwalk followed by a free concert and a fireworks show. The rebuilding of the pier and the repair of beachfront facilities is estimated to cost $550,000.
Reconstruction of the fishing pier is schedule to begin Sept.15, just six weeks shy of the 10th anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, which destroyed the old fishing pier as well as significant portions of Ocean Grove’s boardwalk.
The Pier Restoration Kick-Off Event will be attended by Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association President Michael Badger; Operations Committee Chair Bill Bailey (who will explain project details) and American Treasure Campaign Chair Catherine Harrison, who will report on the campaign’s goals and accomplishments. Immediately following the blessing of the construction site, the Camp Meeting’s works staff, and Ocean Grove residents and visitors will be invited to sing and enjoy a free concert followed by a 9 p.m. fireworks show.
According to Eileen McCabe, the Camp Meeting’s Associate Director of Donor Development, the reconstruction of the Ocean Grove Pier is capping off a three-year fundraising drive, the American Treasure Campaign (ATC), which accomplished three major goals:
The goals were ·expanded programming with state-of-the-art upgrades and year-round ministries ($450,000) including replacement of the Great Auditorium sound system and develop off-season programming; completed much-needed infrastructure repairs ($500,000) including restoration of the Great Auditorium tower and replacement of the Bishop Janes Tabernacle roof and rebuilding the pier and repair of beachfront facilities $550,000).
“The Camp Meeting Association invites the entire Ocean Grove community to celebrate the success of the American Treasure Campaign” Badger said. “The ‘All In’ event is open to everyone. Ocean Grove is God’s masterpiece because of the generous and wonderful people who combined their efforts and money to restore what was damaged by storms and to work for an even better future.”
ATC Chair and OGCMA Trustee Catherine Harrison said that “the American Treasure Capital Campaign held at its core the fundamental belief that God has a thriving future planned for the ministry of historic Ocean Grove and our best days are ahead of us. For three years our donors and the OGCMA Board of Trustees faithfully gave, watching their gifts fulfill the campaign’s goals, so the next generation can experience spiritual birth, growth and renewal.
“Go big or go home, was our battle cry,” Harrison said. “ The campaign asked for $1.5 million and God gave us $1.6 million. I am humbled to have been granted a front row seat for this successful campaign. I am so thankful for the generosity of our donors and the work of our amazing development team.”
