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Mary’s Place by the Sea has announced the return of their end of season Oceanfront Bash. The Fourth annual event will take place from 6 to 11 p.m. Oct 6 at Buona Sera Palazzo in Ocean Township organizers said.

“Wonderful food, music, fun and – probably the most important thing – a mission where we help women going through one of the most difficult journeys of their lives,” Mary Ann LaSardo, board chair said in a written statement. “This evening will be a wonderful way to support the many women facing cancer, who need your help.”

Located in Ocean Grove, Mary’s Place provides women with cancer a respite to heal their mind, body and soul. The nonprofit has hosted over 8,000 women since 2009, some of whom have traveled from as far as England to Alaska. 

Their services are free and include oncology massage, nutrition education, guided meditation, yoga, journaling, spa services, one-on-one counseling, and the respite stays. Many of their over 100 volunteers are cancer survivors.

The Oceanfront Bash also serves as an opportunity to honor who have made a lasting impact. They will include:

Ellen Carroll, recipient of the Humanitarian Hero Award. Carroll is Editor of the Asbury Park based Coaster weekly newspaper.

“I remember first hearing about Mary’s Place before it even opened in Ocean Grove almost 10 years ago,” Carroll said. “And my first thought was: What a wonderful idea. There must be angels involved! And I was right. Michele Gannon and Maria McKeon, co-founders, and their staff are truly angels. They have established a place where women with cancer can go and relax and be taken care of, at no cost to the guest. This is not a medical facility; it is something I believe is much more important: a sanctuary which offers women a place to recharge and relax on their way to healing. It is humbling for me to be recognized as a Humanitarian Hero by Mary’s Place, when the women at Mary’s Place represent the epitome of humanitarianism.”

David Armstrong will receive the Hope Hero Award. Armstrong is president of Sass Advisors and Founding Chair of the Mary’s Place by the Sea Board of Trustees.

“It has been amazing to watch the vision of Michele and Maria evolve into an organization that has provided love and support to over 8,000 women,” Armstrong said. “I am deeply honored to be a part of this team and to receive the Hope Hero award. Mary’s Place has given me far more that I have given to it and I’m so grateful to work with so many wonderful people.”

The Clark Family, are recipients of the Community Pioneer Hero Award. Barbara Clark is a  former president of the Renaissance Women’s Club [2013-2016].

“It has been an extraordinary privilege to be involved with Mary’s Place and the quest to build their beautiful new home,” Barbara Clark said. “The legacy of the Renaissance Women’s Club’s donation of a guest suite is truly an achievement that will remain in our hearts forever. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi ‘the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’ Thank you to Mary’s Place by the Sea for giving us the opportunity to achieve such wonderful goals.”

Clark’s son Sean is vice president of Advisors Mortgage Group.

“Mary’s Place is a shining example of how caring people can make a difference in the world through the conviction that nothing is beyond the reach of determination,” he said. “I am blessed to have been born to my parents, Andrew and Barbara Clark, who raised me to pay forward success by helping those in need. The Advisors Mortgage Family is beyond proud to be able to say it is associated with Mary’s Place and look forward to being part of their future.”

Also being recognized are Mary Ellen and Geoff Doyle, recipients of the Legacy Heroes Award.

“We are so looking forward to honoring these individuals who have done so much for our mission throughout the years,” said President and Co-Founder Michele Gannon.

Tickets to the event are $200, available online, or by calling 732-455-5344. Ad journal sponsorship and advertisements are still available, organizers said.  

Mary’s Place by the Sea is located at 22 Main Ave in Ocean Grove. For more information, visit their website and Facebook page.

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