The 25th annual Greater Atlantic Bluefish Tournament (GABT) will be held Saturday, June 2.

One of the longest continually running tournaments on the East Coast, the tournament was founded in 1988 as a fundraiser for the fight against cancer, has been growing larger and more successful each year.

This year it will again be offering a fluke division for those contestants wishing to fish inshore or in the back bays.

For bluefish, up to $10,000 in cash prizes will be awarded (based on a 75-boat entry). Prizes are awarded based on the three heaviest bluefish totals on each boat (1st through 10th place), the single heaviest fish at each port, and the single heaviest bluefish of the tournament.

The entry fee is $250 per boat, which includes a tournament tee shirt for the captain and two free tickets to the awards banquet on Sunday evening, June 5. Additional shirts and tickets may be purchased for a nominal fee. Those who have fished the tournament in previous years know that it is very worthwhile attending the banquet just for the good fellowship, and many valuable door prizes that are awarded.
For the fluke (division up to $2,000 in cash prizes, based on a 100-boat entry) will be awarded. Prizes are awarded based on the single heaviest fish per boat.

The tournament has three weigh-in stations, Kammerman’s Marine in Atlantic City, Sheltered Cove in Tuckerton and Seaview Harbor in Longport. For entry forms or more information, visit the GABT Web site by clicking here.

Captains can also sign up at the Captains’ meeting which will be held on Thursday, May 31, Brigantine Elks Lodge located at 400 W. Shore Drive in Brigantine, starting at 7pm.

One of the Brigantine Elks Lodge's beach-accessible wheelchairs being put to good use.

BRIGANTINE, N.J. — In conjunction with Brigantine’s Marine Mammal Stranding Center, Brigantine Elks Lodge #2428 presents the fourth annual “Under the Sea” fashion show and champagne brunch on Sunday, May 20. The show will take place at the lodge, 400 West Shore Drive in Brigantine, from 11am-2:30pm. All proceeds will help to continue the Elks-sponsored beach wheelchair program in Brigantine.

“We’ve raised over $15,000 to purchase special beach wheelchairs that we donate to the city for [limited mobility] people to use to access the beach,” says event emcee Linda Camerota Wynkoop. “This year we’re hoping to expand the program by purchasing a trailer to enable us to deliver the chairs to someone’s home.

“If a person needs the chair for a week, we will drop it off and they can keep it for the entire week. Volunteers will be needed for this, and [Lodge 2428 Past Exalted Ruler] Dave Biggins is spearheading this initiative. If anyone would like to volunteer they can call Dave at 610-721-4956.The chairs will also continue to be available from the lifeguards [during the summer beach season].”

The fashion show will feature local and celebrity models, including TV personality and president of WIN promotions Whitney Ullman, Miss Atlantic County Lindsey Petrosh, entertainer and Atlantic City Weekly Nightlife Awards recipient for Best Lounge Singer Melissa Marshall, Brigantine Mayor Philip J. Guenther, and Sarah Holt and Johnny Zappas from the band Either Way. The event chairperson is Toni Harris.

Fashions are being provided by Lilli Rose, Primal Surf, Root Beer Barrel and the Brigantine Beach Gift Shop. Accessories will be provided by Bloomingsales. The event will also feature a gourmet brunch and bellini bar, raffles and door prizes.

Tickets are $25 apiece or $225 for a table of 10 (and get an extra ticket for buying a table). For reservations, contact Linda at (609) 412-7020, or Maureen at (609) 517-7497. Tickets are also available at the lodge or at Lilli Rose Boutique, 1219 W Brigantine Ave. in Brigantine. Go here for more information. — Samantha McCorry

Nathan Drake

There will be a beef-n- beer benefit for Nathan Drake on Saturday, Feb. 12, from 4-8pm, at the Brigantine Elks Lodge, 400 West Shore Drive in Brigantine.

Nathan was born prematurely, weighing just one pound, 18 ounces. He spent almost seven months in the hospital before going home, and since his discharge has been re-hospitalized multiple times for various medical conditions, surgeries and testing.

Currently there are no medical diagnoses for some of his ailments, and he will continue to need future hospitalizations, surgeries and testing. Due to the complexities of his conditions, his family must travel to the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia often to care for him, so several citizens and civic groups are stepping forward to help.

Tickets to the benefit are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. There will be a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, a Chinese auction, food and entertainment DJ Augie “Doggie” Peltonen. Additionally there will be lots of great prizes!

Purchase tickets at the Elks Lodge, the Genie Salon (1307 W. Brigantine Ave.), Dr Jill Morrison’s office (1301 W. Brigantine Ave.) or the Christi Salon (212 West Brigantine Ave.) — all in Brigantine. You can also contact Sabrina Drake at (609) 412-3222 or e-mail sahbees@comcast.net for more information.

A custom-made gold dolphin pendant will be auctioned off at the Sun, Sand & Style show

Fashionably Fundraising — The inaugural Sun, Sand & Style fashion show was such a hit, the Brigantine Elks Lodge will host a second show on Sunday, May 23.

Last spring the Brigantine Elks Lodge pampered the public with a champagne brunch and fashion extravaganza that was so well received, it’s pulling out all stops with a second event Sunday, May 23. The show is from 11am-2pm at the lodge, 400 West Shore Drive in Brigantine, and serves as a fundraiser for the lodge’s Special Needs Children Committee. All are welcome to attend.

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