FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2025
Waterspirit’s Annual Gala “Joys of the Sea” Celebrates World Water Day and Honors Environmental Leaders
Long Branch, NJ – On March 21, 2025, Waterspirit hosted its highly anticipated Joys of the Sea Gala at McLoone's Pier House in Long Branch, NJ. The event, which commemorates World Water Day, celebrated the organization’s unwavering dedication to protecting the sacred gift of water while bringing together a community of passionate environmental advocates.
The evening featured remarks from renowned environmental leader Maya K. van Rossum, Delaware Riverkeeper and founder of the Green Amendments movement, who was honored with the prestigious 2025 Suzanne Golas Spirit of Water Award. Maya’s tireless work to protect natural resources, including the landmark Green Amendment, was celebrated during the event. Reflecting on her life’s mission, Maya shared:
"I feel a deep and abiding spiritual connection with nature. This connection drives me to—day in and day out—do all I can to champion the rights of nature and people to be respected and protected from harm. Often the work is hard and invites deeply personal attacks. But the duty of love, care, and protection my relationship with nature inspires in me helps me to stay solid, grounded, and focused in my dedication to champion the rights of nature and people to be respected, protected, and healed."
— Maya van Rossum, Delaware Riverkeeper
In addition to honoring Maya van Rossum, the gala featured a lively community of water protectors coming together to raise awareness and funds for Waterspirit’s mission. Executive Director Blair Nelsen expressed her excitement, saying:
"As water droplets come together to form the ocean, we have to come together in community to make waves of change. It is always a delight to get together with Waterspirit's community of water protectors at Joys of the Sea."
The evening included plant-based delicacies, stunning ocean views, and a silent auction featuring unique items such as Seastreak tickets for a whale watching excursion, signed NY Giants memorabilia, and a private bird walk with a local expert, The Beachy Birder, among many others.
In the face of New Jersey’s prolonged drought warning and pervasive plastic contamination of the state’s waters, Ann Marie Reardon, Waterspirit Board Member, shared why she supports the organization:
"I support Waterspirit because it is a conscientious, responsible nonprofit dedicated to the protection of water. The prolonged drought warning in our state, as well as the pervasive plastic contamination of our waters, are only two of many environmental challenges facing New Jersey at present. Supporting Waterspirit multiplies our personal agency as we work to both restore and protect the quality of our waters by educating the public and interacting with our legislators."
For Kate Chambers, Waterspirit Board Chairperson, the highlight of the event was hearing about Maya van Rossum's pioneering work:
"The highlight of the event was learning about Maya van Rossum's inspiring work to bring about adoption of the Green Amendment. Citizen engagement such as this gives me hope that our rights to pure water, clean air, and a healthy environment will be available for all citizens. The future of our planet rests on courageous grassroots efforts such as this."
Marguerite Stocker, a committee member for Joys of the Sea, beautifully captured the essence of water’s transformative power, saying:
"Water is healing, nurturing, restorative and reflective. Waterspirit's Joys of the Sea event reminds us of what has been done and what we can aspire to ensure the continued protection of—and equitable access to—water."
Waterspirit’s annual Joys of the Sea Gala is an opportunity to join the movement for environmental change, celebrate the critical importance of water, and support the mission of protecting this vital resource. Attendees expressed solidarity with local efforts to safeguard water, protect ecosystems, and ensure clean and accessible water for future generations.
ABOUT WATERSPIRIT
Waterspirit is a spiritual ecology nonprofit organization based in Monmouth County, NJ. The organization educates, advocates, and collaborates to promote the sacredness of water and to inspire individuals and communities to protect this essential element. Annually, Waterspirit reaches thousands of people across the US and internationally through public programs, advocacy campaigns, and educational opportunities. Waterspirit is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace.
For more information, please visit www.waterspirit.org
Contact: Blair Nelsen, Executive Director 732-923-9788, water@waterspirit.org
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To see photos from Joys of the Sea 2025, please click here.