Shore Dreams Pictorial: The Rides That Made it Happen

What good is a great ride if you can’t share it with friends? Tom Anselmi, the owner of this Donzi 38′ ZRC, shares a ride with new friends from Shore Dreams.

Two weeks ago, more than 600 mentally and physically challenged children got the “rides of their lives” at the annual Shore Dreams event in Seaside Heights, N.J. While the event has become a daylong festival that includes games, refreshments and even an antique car show during the years, its foundation is powerboat rides for the kids who attend. They come with their families and escorts from groups including the local Special Olympics organization, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Oceans of Love Support Group for Children with Cancer and the Children’s Specialized Hospital.

Coming back from one of many rides.

“The weather for the day was absolutely perfect, an important thing since this event is held outside and on the waters of Barnegat Bay,” said Geralyn Monroe, one of the key organizers for the event. “Performance-boat owners from the New Jersey Performance Powerboat Club, at least 35 owners, spent the day giving rides to all. The barbeque grills were manned by other club members and volunteers from the community. Entertainment was provided by The Characters. The New Jersey Elks-South East District Special Children’s Committee provided the games and an overwhelming supply of prizes for all to enjoy.

“The entire day was a huge success, not to mention one that touched the hearts of all who participated,” she added.

Without the following boats owners/drives and their boats, the most essential part of Shore Dreams—the boat rides—would not have been possible:

Tom Toto, 46′ Outerlimits; Bob Dragonet, 42′ Cigarette; Bill Melchione, 39′ Cigarette; Mike Romanelli, 38′ Powerplay; Tom Anselmi, 38′ Donzi; Tony Periera, 38′ Donzi; Vinny Scimeca, 32′ Formula; Frank Cantone, 38′ Cigarette; Pat Curci, 36′ Spectre; Ed Smith, 34′ Scarab CC; Anthony Salvemini, 33’ Sea Ray; Steve Egan, 32’ Crownline; R. Waller, 32′ Baja Outlaw; Dean Mendrys, 31′ Formula; Jim Kathenes, 30′ Spectre; Jim Maclearie, 30′ Concept; June White, 29′ Sea Ray; Frank Constandi, 28′ Eliminator; Matthew Sack, 27′ Sea Ray; Glen Halibang, 27′ Glasstream; Bob Thanel, 27′ Kryptonite; Ed & John Masterson, 35′ Formula; Jerry & Janet Wood, 22′ Jet Boat; Alan Petitt, 32′ Tempest; Dave Redding, 38′ Cigarette; Chris Fenelon, 44′ MTI and Steve Monteforte, 39′ Outerlimits.

And without photographer Tim Sharkey of Sharkey Images, who graciously donated his time and energy—as he does every year—this pictorial, which is dedicated to the owners of the boats who made more than 600 dreams comes true on July 16, wouldn’t be possible.

A oerfect day on the water made better by a great cause.