Thank You For A Wonderful Annual Benefit

Written By The WaterFront Center

The WaterFront Center is excited to announce the resounding success of its 26th Annual Benefit, held last week on October 1st 2026, at the beautiful Sea Cliff Yacht Club. This cocktail party, with live music by The Ronald Reagans and plenty of auction items, hosted a large, vibrant crowd and raised over $100,000 to support the organization’s mission of connecting people to the water through education and recreation.

The WaterFront Center serves over 15,000 individuals annually through marine science, STEM education, and sailing programs for all—regardless of age, ability, or financial background—including free and specialized offerings for military veterans and people with disabilities. The funds raised will ensure these transformative programs remain accessible for the next 25 years and beyond.

In the words of Executive Director George J. Ellis, The WaterFront Center is an “incubator”. From sparking children's interest in marine biology and sailing to reigniting people’s passion for the water years down the line, WFC’s programs play an essential role in keeping the community of Oyster Bay connected to the environment they live so close to.

We are deeply grateful to our Board of Directors, Annual Benefit Committee, sponsors, Partners & Stewards, donors, volunteers, and guests for the generosity, time, and enthusiasm that made the evening possible.

We also extend gratitude to our valued sponsors and partners for their support:

Captain Sponsor:

Grace Haggerty, Anonymous

Admiral Sponsor:

The Bahnik Foundation

Crew Sponsors:

Diane & Bob Fagiola, Julian & June Fisher, Jeffrey & Carolyn Rankin, Sanctuary Home & Patio, Celeste Pinkerton

Navigator Sponsors:

Lush Life, Henriette Rohl & Thomas Kaelin

Platinum Partner:

MILL-MAX Manufacturing Corp.

Ensign Sponsor:

Elisa M. Santoro, P.C.

Bronze Partners:

Dodds & Eder, Safe Harbor Marinas, Dr. Joseph I. Lopez, M.D., F.A.O.S., Oyster Bay Marine Center, Melrose Contracting Corp., Jamie T. Deming, The Szarfac Family

Silver Partners:

Sealift Inc., Farrell Fritz Attorneys, George Baker

Bay Circle Steward:

Jamie T. Deming, The Szarfarc Family

Sound Circle Steward:

The Dooley Family



Program fees only go so far in keeping The WaterFront Center’s mission alive.

By donating, you are enabling us to expand and continue providing access to the water while preserving history.

All contributions are tax-deductible, supporting The WaterFront Center’s 501(c)(3) mission. For more information about the event or the organization’s programs, visit www.thewaterfrontcenter.org or call 516-922-7245.

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About The WaterFront Center

Founded 26 years ago, The WaterFront Center is a nonprofit dedicated to connecting people to the water through education and recreation. Based in Oyster Bay, NY, the organization impacts thousands annually with innovative marine science and STEM programs, fostering inclusivity and community engagement.

Media Contact Jamé Krauter Director of Marketing and Engagement The WaterFront Center jame@thewaterfrontcenter.org | 516-922-7245

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The WaterFront Center

The WaterFront Center (WFC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Oyster Bay, New York. It provides access to the waters of Oyster Bay Harbor and Long Island Sound through hands-on marine education, recreational and instructional sailing programs, and a variety of on-the-water experiences. WFC offers paddleboard, kayak, and sailboat rentals, as well as harbor tours aboard the National Historic Landmark oyster sloop Christeen and the oyster dredge Ida May—both integral to connecting people to the maritime heritage of the region.

https://www.thewaterfrontcenter.org/
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