Volunteers keep OC a happy place

Written by Ann Richardson Wednesday, 04 January 2012 13:00

A recently released national Quality of Life survey by Gallop-Healthways, which measured the nation’s well being index, reveals that Ocean City residents are less likely to be angry or depressed than those in other communities.

A million households throughout the country were surveyed. Ocean City scored as a “best performer” in the categories for anger and depression. Included in the report are data on physical and emotional health, financial stability and access to basic necessities.

“For over 100 years, Ocean City has promoted itself as ‘America’s Greatest Family Resort.’ This is exciting news for us,” city publicist Mark Soifer said, noting that Ocean City was also named the number one family beach resort in the nation by the Travel Channel.

“There’s a reason why we keep getting noticed,” Soifer said. “Ocean City is a place where families and individuals can relax and still have plenty to do, like on First Night. The fact that we don’t have many angry or depressed people here is directly related to the atmosphere.

“It’s pretty amazing; what that tells me is that people are happy to live here and they love the community,” Soifer said. “When they feel that way about their community they want to volunteer. It tells you that we must be doing something right. People are happy and they want to keep their community nice.”

Soifer said the results of the survey were brought to life on First Night. He’s right.

First Night was awesome; more than 10,000 happy people celebrating New Year’s Eve Ocean City-style.

The sold-out crowd enjoyed endless entertainment. There were puppet shows and magic acts for children, rides at Wonderland Pier. There were string bands and piano players; the Ocean City Pops offered a special performance. The Ocean City Theatre Company brought Broadway to Ocean City High School with a performance of “Annie.” Peter Tork, of the Monkees appeared with his band, the Shoe Suede Blues.

People moved from venue to venue, with more than 70 different options to pick from. There was more to do than hours to fill, and maybe it was a bit crowded in spots, but that just means that organizers will find a way to make it even bigger and better next year since it has become such a popular New Year’s Eve destination.

It was all about First Night and the magical $14 button. The alcohol-free celebration of the New Year brought joy for locals and visitors to Ocean City, filling motels, restaurants and second homes across the island. It was a big shot in the arm for local businesses, but it would not, and could not, happen if not for a small army of volunteers – and generous benefactors – who put forth a Herculean effort.

Led by Soifer and Michele Gillian, executive director of both the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and First Night, organizers work tirelessly throughout the year, dedicating countless hours to the cause. Nearly 100 people step up to the plate on New Year’s Eve to make it all possible.

They do it not just to fill the motels and restaurants; they do it because the non-profit entertainment extravaganza raises money for a host of worthwhile charities, including the Ocean City High School After Prom, the Hero Foundation to support designated drivers and OCHS scholarships.

Soifer said the event has grown astronomically since 1,000 people attended the first First Night in 1993.

“It’s amazing,” he said. “Some communities have had to discontinue First Night, but ours keeps growing. We can handle it because we have the volunteers. No one is a paid employee. If we had to pay people, we couldn’t do it. A lot of communities can’t get the volunteers that we can get in Ocean City. We have generous sponsors, too, who help pay for a lot of the costs. We couldn’t do it without them either.”

The event got a big boost for the millennium when a record 5,000 buttons were sold; 2012 was over the top.

“People said we’d never get that many people to come here in the middle of the winter, but we did,” Soifer said. “We had good weather, granted, but even last year after that big snow storm, with snow all over the place we had a big crowd.”

The volunteers, Soifer said, don’t stop with First Night. They come back time and again throughout the year, for Night in Venice, the Baby Parade and other events.

“We have a lot of people who love to volunteer,” he said. “We never have to worry about getting enough volunteers to staff our events.”

It’s less hectic here, where the sand meets the sea and soothing salt air washes across the island.

“I truly believe that we have saved a lot of lives over the past 20 years by providing this non-alcoholic alternative. I think it’s pretty loud and clear, people are looking for a non-alcoholic family event on New Year’s Eve. It they didn’t believe in it they wouldn’t be here,” Soifer said. “We have taken people off the road, given them a safe, alcohol-free alternative. It’s a great event that continues to grow for a reason.”

First Day, he said, brings out even more volunteers. First Run, a 5K race, is organized by a small, local running club, Runaway Athletic Club. People like Mike and Pam Givens, Bill and Debbie Moreland and Ellen Pospeich devote countless hours to the effort.

Kevin Greene and Dean Ruff rode their bikes down the boardwalk to escort the leaders and clear the large crowds for the runners. Running club members signed up more than 600 competitors by hand. Children manned the water stations, and all of the proceeds went to First Night charities.

First Night also provides an Angel Fund, designated to purchase buttons for those who can’t afford them.

“We hear some sad stories,” Soifer said. “So we’re happy to help out.”

Gillian said the volunteers are well-informed ambassadors, a unique marketing tool.

“They are the number one resource we have to get the good word out about Ocean City,” she said.

Gloria Votta attended the first First Night and has served as a volunteer for the past eight. Votta enjoys her ambassador role, painting a positive picture about the community she loves.

“For some people, this was the first time they’ve been to Ocean City,” she said. “You want to be nice and helpful, so their impression is ‘Oh, what a nice little town this is.’ You want them to come back again, to vacation or maybe to live here. If you make their visit a pleasant experience, it helps everyone.

“I used to work in the restaurant business; I got started with First Night because one year I had nothing to do on New Year’s Eve, I had always worked. I enjoy it,” she said.

Votta was not surprised that Ocean City is deemed a happy place.

“I love my little town. I love Ocean City; it’s such a happy place. That’s obviously what our visitors see when they come here. A volunteer’s job is to make sure they feel at home. I think we do a good job of that, we believe in our town,” she said.

Historian Fred Miller said he has enjoyed watching First Night grow.

“Who would have thought 20 years ago we’d have all these people here for New Year’s?” he said. “First Night, a non-alcoholic event, is so perfect for Ocean City. Every penny goes to charity, so many organizations contribute.”

Miller agreed that Ocean City is a happy place for many.

“The residents are so friendly, they smile and say ‘hi’ whether they know you or not,” he said.

Miller attributes much of the tranquil feeling to the ocean.

“The ocean has a calming effect,” he said. “Gazing at that vast expanse of water and horizon seems to put things into a positive perspective. People have told me for years that when they drive over the bridge into Ocean City, they experience a special, gratifying feeling.”

Gillian said the business community helps create a positive atmosphere.

“A lot of our businesses are family owned and operated,” she said. “Many of the merchants live here, have raised their families here and have a sincere interest in the community and their customers. They act as ambassadors for the community. They know how important our visitors are. They appreciate the business. They don’t get angry. They get the job done.”

Volunteers, she said, help make it all work.

“We are also fortunate to have many residents who volunteer to help make our special events successful,” she said.  Hundreds sign up for various events, she noted, “and so it goes.”

“If people weren’t happy with the community, you would never get that type of cooperation,” she said.

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