A Scary Surf’s Up | Riding Waves, Feeding Families
When it comes to charitable events, there’s certainly more than one way to catch a wave…
There are hoagie sales, coin drops, designer bag bingo – the list goes on and on. Of course, in Ocean City, fundraisers often take on a more creative edge, and that’s exactly the case for Spooks ‘N Kooks, a costumed surfing contest held every year in mid-October. And the ghosts, goblins and vampires that take over Seventh Street Beach do so for a very good cause: to support the Ocean City Food Cupboard.
“These things and these people are what make us Americas Greatest Family Resort,” Jane French, food cupboard co-chair, said. “I’m proud to live here because everyone is so giving.” The annual Spooks ‘N Kooks, set for Sunday, October 11, this year, is the brainchild of Dennis Siteman, inspired by watching an old surfing movie that featured a scene depicting a few characters surfing in costumes.
“My cousin looked at me and said, ‘You can totally do that down here. Well, one thing led to another and we put it together,” Dennis said.
In 2012, the inaugural Spooks N Kooks costume surfing contest’s entry fee was simply one canned good which would be donated to the food cupboard. In the years following the entry rules began to change.
Now, to participate in the event, you need to show up with a costume and bring a $20 gift card to Acme, Shop Rite or Aldi. Last year the event generated over $1,600 for the food cupboard – quite impressive given the circumstances.
“Last year we had no entries because of the hurricane,”
Dennis explained. “But we had a Halloween party at the surf shop on the Boardwalk.”
The key component of donating a gift card works well because it allows Jane and her cohort at the food cupboard to get exactly what they need. She calls these things “core items,” which include but are not limited to foods like Hormel Chili, peanut butter and jelly, crackers, Chef Boyardee, canned tuna and/or chicken, canned fruits and/ or vegetables, cereal, soups, oatmeal, rice, pasta and Ramen noodles.
“We want to be a good steward,” Jane said. “The better steward we are with the money, the longer we can run.” The city’s food cupboard is run by the Ocean City Ecumenical Council and is located in St. Peter’s United Methodist Church at the corner of 8th Street and Central Avenue. The hours of operation are Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 3pm and Fridays from 10am to noon. They are open two Tuesday evenings each month in the summertime, as well as on Saturday mornings in the fall.
The only requirement to use the food cupboard is to be an Ocean City resident. Everyone is welcome to come every 30 days. Food is distributed based on the size of a family, including a family of one, two to three, four to five, and the occasional family of six.
Data from Feeding America report 1.2 million New Jerseyans are facing hunger, with nearly 330,000 of them children. With that knowledge in mind, it really is a no-brainer for Spooks N Kooks to raise not only funds, but also awareness for the food cupboard.
Sign-ups for this year’s Spooks ‘N Kooks on October 11 begin at 10am at the Seventh Street Beach. The no wave date is Monday, October 12. As in past years, photos will be taken at the event by local photographer Joe Almo, of Joe 3 Photography, who also provides the graphic art for event T-shirts and plaques.
“We’ve gotten a little bit bigger each year. We’re really excited to see what we do this year coming up,” Dennis said.
In years past, the contest has averaged about 40 to 45 entrants, who are split into three categories: adults, children and tandem. Judges will award the top three in each category based on how creative their costume is and how well they ride waves.
In the past, Dennis has seen his fair share of unique costumes ranging from Wonder Bear (RIP), Tony Danza from Who’s the Boss?, pizza delivery guys and superheroes.
But a funny mask that’s been collecting dust at the bottom of a Halloween tote in the garage will work, too.
“We have two goals: one, to help the food cupboard, and two, to get people together and have a fun time on the beach,” Dennis said.
The event is free to attend as a spectator for those interested in a good time, although donations are always accepted.
At the end of the day, Spooks N Kooks is all about the community rallying together for a great cause. Like Jane said, this is what makes Ocean City Americas Greatest Family Resort.
“Everyone wants to see it succeed,” Dennis said of his contest. “You can feel it on the beach. Everyone looks forward to it, everyone wants it to happen and make sure it continues.”
And in a town where there’s more than one way to catch a wave when it comes to community service, it’s good for all parties that this event is as popular as it is. Especially with a cause as important as food insecurity.
For more information about the Ocean City Food Cupboard, visit OCECNJ.org.
By Anthony J. Mazziotti III