FILE PHOTO
Costumed volunteers from Worcester Youth and Family Services donate their time, and greet guests, at the gates of Sunset Grille during the 2015 Pirate Party fundraiser for the CASA program. Pictured, from left, are Andrea Adams, Anita Pascucci, Brooke Manley and Brigitte Southworth.

By Kara Hallissey, Staff Writer

(May 17, 2018) The 10th annual Pirate Party, which benefits Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, was originally scheduled for Friday, May 18, but it has been postponed to Friday, June 1 due to severe weather forecasted.

The party is slated to feature Radio Neon performing live, drink specials and raffles on the dock at Sunset Grille in West Ocean City from 6-9 p.m.

“It is a great event and a lot of fun,” said Brigitte Southworth, a Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program director for the nonprofit. “It is the kickoff party to the summer.”

All proceeds benefit Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, which has been assisting vulnerable children and area residents by offering counseling, advocacy, outreach and support with offices in Berlin since 1975.

Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their best pirate outfits and the $49 entrance fee includes a light fare buffet with chicken, hot dogs, burgers and various sides in addition to two beverages.

“The money raised goes to support the youth programs at Worcester Youth and Family,” Southworth said. “We have two adolescent programs, one youth club and the CASA program. CASA is funded by a grant that needs a hundred-percent match and the funds raised [during fundraisers such as the Pirate Party] help us reach this match.”

In addition to live music, attendees can participate in a few auctions including a 50/50 raffle board.

A gas grill, snowboard, golf packages, snow skis and hotel stays are a few of the items in the silent auction.

There will also be a gold bar auction with hundreds of candy bars wrapped in gold paper. They cost one for $5 or five for $20 and some come with a chance to win a prize basket.

“The baskets are made up of gift certificates and various in-kind items from local businesses,” Southworth said. “In the silent auction, we auction off larger, high-dollar items.”

The event is co-chaired by Joe Kendall of Kendall Furniture and Buddy Trala, owner of Sunset Grille.

Last year, about 250 people attended the party at Sunset Grille and raised about $40,000 for Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services.

“It is our 10th annual Pirate Party and our largest fundraiser,” Southworth said. “Staff, board members, pirates and guests dress up in pirate costumes. The area around Teasers is decorated in the pirate theme. Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services relies on the funds to keep their much needed programs afloat.”

Every year, about 20 people volunteer to be “Honorary Pirates” for the event and each one is asked to raise a minimum of $500.

“The pirate and their business is promoted and they are recognized at the event,” Southworth said. “The pirates assist us in our outreach efforts and they bring friends and family to the event.”

Corporate and individual sponsors are essential to the success of the Pirate Party.

Sunset Grille, Kendall Furniture, Duckaneer, D3 Corp, Reese Cropper III, Castle in the Sand, CrossFit Ocean City, Ayers Creek Adventures, Bergey & Company P.A., Church Mouse Thrift Shop, Cards Technology, New Wave, Pohanka Automotive Group, Atlantic Physical Therapy, and the Dough Roller all contributed in 2018.

“This year we have 12, $1,000 sponsors who are also recognized at the event and their name is on all promotional items,” Southworth said. “Purchase your tickets ahead of time to avoid the waiting line.”

Tickets can be purchase at Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services or Kendall Furniture in West Ocean City and Fenwick Island for $49 each.

For more information, check out www.gowoyo.org or call 410-641-4598.