The WaterFront Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary at its Annual Benefit
Oyster Bay, NY – September 25, 2025
The WaterFront Center announces the resounding success of its 25th Anniversary Benefit, held on September 19, 2025, at the historic Wooden Boat Shop (Building J) on West End Ave, Oyster Bay, NY. The super fun cocktail party, with live music by John Schwartzberg and auctions, drew a vibrant crowd and raised over $110,000 to support the organization’s mission of connecting people to the water through education and recreation.
The event took place in the iconic Wooden Boat Shop where the IDA MAY was built and the oyster sloop CHRISTEEN was restored. The evening honored Fritz Coudert, the organization’s founder, and other visionary founders whose legacy continues to inspire.
The WaterFront Center serves over 15,000 individuals annually—regardless of age, ability, or financial background—through marine science, STEM education, and sailing programs, 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.
The Benefit’s success was driven by generous contributions from over 40 sponsors and donors, led by the Frederic R. Coudert Foundation as Founding Sponsor and The Bahnik Foundation as Admiral Sponsor. A full list of contributors is below.
We also extend gratitude to our valued partners for their support:
Partner Sponsors
Platinum Partners: Mill Max Mfg. Corp., Coach Meeting House, Cooper Bluff, Sunset Club at Tappen Beach
Gold Partner: Farrell Fritz, P.C.
Silver Partners: Sealift Inc., Fuschetto Home Improvements, George Baker
Bronze Partners: Compass, Dodds & Eder Landscape, Dr. Joseph Lopez, Elisa Santoro, OBMC, Tim and Remsen Dooley, SHM Glen Cove LLC - SafeHarbor, Melrose Construction, Oyster Bay Brewing Co, Kiddsmiles Pediatric Dentistry, Northern Trust, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Geisel
“We are grateful for the generous support from our sponsors and donors, whose contributions made this milestone celebration possible,” said Jamie Deming, Co-Chair of The WaterFront Center’s Annual Benefit. “This event honored our founders and reinforced our commitment to inspiring future generations through education and recreation.”
The evening featured a special presentation highlighting the organization’s dedication to its mission. 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.
About The WaterFront Center
Founded 25 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.
