Thank You to Our Sponsors, and Welcome Fall

An autumn update from Mordecai Land Trust

As summer gives way to fall, Mordecai Island is welcoming migrating flocks and changing marsh grasses. Sea heather and pickleweed are abundant, bringing seasonal color and texture to the island after a summer of warm temperatures and frequent rains.

With a new season underway, we pause to thank the community that made this year’s Bay Bash possible—and share the progress ahead.

A Remarkable Summer of Support

$68,000 raised at the 2026 Bay Bash

Including $29,000 from the silent auction, made possible by the generosity of our donors, guests, and volunteers.

This year’s celebration brought together more than 50 local donors, approximately 50 volunteers, and a dedicated organizing committee. Thirteen establishments contributed food, and supporters provided 29 silent auction prizes and 15 raffle prizes.

Our heartfelt thanks go to our members, Bay Bash attendees, LEHYC, the Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Club for its marketing efforts, the Beach Haven Chamber of Commerce, and the local bivalve fishing crew UFOBE.

To everyone who donated, volunteered, attended, or helped behind the scenes: thank you for making a difference for Mordecai.

Progress on the Island

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project remains on track to begin in fall 2027.

In August, USACE installed five monitoring platforms on the west side of Mordecai. These platforms measure waves, tides, currents, and boat wakes. Together, the data will provide a clearer picture of erosion across the island.

The Community Behind the Bay Bash

Our local businesses and artists gave generously to this year’s event. Please join us in thanking them—and consider supporting their restaurants, shops, and work throughout the year.

Beach Haven & LBI Businesses and Supporters

• Azzurri

• Barry’s Do-Me-A-Flavor

• Beach Haven White Marlin Invitational

• Ben & Jerry’s

• The Black Whale

• The Black Pearl

• Buckalew’s

• Bywatyr Shop & Framing

• Capt. Dave Wittenborn

• The Chegg

• Coastal Living

• Country Kettle Chowda

• Crust n Crumb

• Dock & Claw

• The Engleside

• Fantasy Island & Thundering Surf

• Fourchette & La Table Gourmande

• Green Heads

• HAMMSArt Studio

• Holiday Snack Bar

• How To Live – Sandy Gingras

• Iron Oak BBQ

• K+CO

• La Bamba

• LBI National Golf Course

• Miss Beach Haven

• Mod Hatter

• Murphy’s Market

• Neibauer Press

• North Gallery

• Pearl Street Market

• Polly’s Dock

• Queen City Cycle Boat

• Rommel’s Liquor

• The Sea Shell

• South End Surf N Paddle

• Sun Pro Graphics

• The Spotted Whale

• Yoga Bohemia

Artists

• Judy Collins

• Ann Coen

• Chris Keay

• Melissa Maschal

• Richard McOrmond

• Jason Murray

• Elizabeth Sabine

• Bridget Sawitsky

• Christina Scannapiego

• Peter Slack

• Anthony Trivelli

• JoAnne Coughlin Walsh

Save the Date: July 17, 2027

Next summer’s Bay Bash is already on the calendar.

We welcome volunteers and business partners who would like to help with food donations, silent auction and raffle prizes, or event sponsorship. From contributing supplies to lending a few hours of your time, there are many ways to participate.

Be Part of Next Year’s Bay Bash

Help make our next celebration a success. To volunteer, contribute a prize, or explore sponsorship opportunities, contact info@mordecailandtrust.org.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to sharing another island update after the new year.

Photos courtesy of Richard McOrmond, 2026.