2011 Big Wave Awards Wrap-Up

Asbury Park, NJ - The 2011 Big Wave Awards brought Jersey Shore's brightest stars, and those honoring them, to Doolan's Shore Club on Wednesday October 19th.  Everyone from politicians to business owners to proud Jersey Shore residents were in attendance for this special evening of laughter and much deserved recognitions.  

The evening kicked-off with a networking cocktail hour where over 200 guests mingled with Senators, entrepreneurs and press.  Pictures from the finalists of the Asbury Park and JSCVB's Photo Contest were on display for a silent auction.  Dana Lancellotti, Special Events Committee Chair for JSCVB, was the first speaker welcoming dignitaries and thanking those who helped to make the evening a success.  The night was then turned over to the MC for the evening, comedian Mike Marino who kept the crowd laughing and entertained.  

Award recipients were presented their honors by NJ politicians and business partners.  Senator Bob Singer presented the Storino family of Jenison's in Pt. Pleasant with the Lifetime Achievement Award.  Assemblyman Dave Wolfe presented Six Flags Great Adventure with the Anchor Award.  Assemblyman Ronald Dancer presented the Lakewood BlueClaws with the Rising Tide Award.  Assemblyman Dave Rible presented Red Bank Restaurateur Danny Murphy with the Jersey Shore Icon Award.  Mayor of Belmar Matt Doherty and Kipp Connor of D'Jais, rounded out the presentations by awarding Frank Sementa of D'Jais, the Spirit of the Shore Award.  

Hilton, when speaking about the recipients of the awards says, "Every year it is difficult to narrow down the nominations and awards to only five.  Please know that there are hundreds of businesses and people just as deserving of these awards, and although it is impossible to award them all, we the Jersey Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau, would like to publically thank all those businesses that take part in the tourism industry in Monmouth and Ocean Counties."   

Hilton also reiterated that, "There are a few tourism related programs that businesses can take part in at no cost at all.  The Passport to the Jersey Shore card is just one of those programs.  Through a grant from the State of New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism, this program is made available to any business in Monmouth and Ocean County for free."   

Bob Hilton, Executive Director, Jersey Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau, gave his final thank yous and announced the winner of the Asbury Park Photo Contest Bruce MacDonald whose photo was chosen as the winner from over 33,000 entries.  

Please contact Tischa Culver at tischa@thepassiongroup.com or 732.267.2087 for photos from the evening or for additional information.  

About the Jersey Shore Conventions and Visitors Bureau Discover your Jersey Shore destination with help from the Jersey Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau. The JSC&VB is the fastest growing destination marketing organization in New Jersey promoting the Jersey Shore region as a destination for individuals and families, businesses and organizations, and meeting and travel planners for both domestic and international markets. The JSC&VB is the official provider of information on the people, places and events that make the Jersey Shore a prime travel destination. For more information, visit http://www.visitthejerseyshore.com/ or call Executive Director Robert Hilton at 732-244-9283.  

The Passion Group located in Asbury Park, NJ is the agency of record for the Jersey Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau.  To find out more information about JSCVB or other local events please visit www.thepassiongroup.com or call (732) 897-1111.