Sips & Shells

Sips & Shells

Sips and Shells!

Every year we are thrilled to bring you our Sips and Shells fundraiser, a night dedicated not just to celebrating the incredible Bay that supports the life and lifestyle we all love so dearly, but also the wonderful supporters who make all of our work possible.

Each event has its own unique theme dedicated to showcasing a feature, facet, or wonder of our home waters and Bay!

From an unlimited raw bar and delicious traditional buffet, to amazing drinks, feel-good live music, and incredibly diverse and dynamic auctions – Sips and Shells is a night to remember that is enjoyed by all.

Stay tuned for more information about next year’s theme and enjoy this wonderful re-cap and photo album from our most recent event, Botany of the Bay!

Flowering Fun - A look back at Botany of the Bay!

Thank you for joining us and for being part of this special celebration. Events like Sips & Shells are only possible because of the generosity, enthusiasm, and commitment of supporters like you. Together, we celebrated the incredible native plants that form the foundation of a healthy watershed—supporting clean water, wildlife, resilient communities, and the Bay we all cherish.

We hope you left inspired, connected, and perhaps with a few new discoveries about the fascinating botany that surrounds us every day.

The evening may be over, but our shared commitment to protecting Barnegat Bay continues. Below are a few simple ways you can celebrate the Botany of the Bay in your own backyard and community, along with several upcoming opportunities to learn, volunteer, and connect with fellow Bay stewards.

Thank you for standing with Save Barnegat Bay. Together, we are giving the Bay a voice and ensuring that future generations can experience the same natural beauty that inspired us all on July 10.

Sips & Shells 2026: Botany the Bay

Event highlights include:
• Live music
• Fresh oysters courtesy of the Barnegat Oyster Collective
• Wine, cocktails, and a delicious buffet
• Live and silent auctions filled with one-of-a-kind experiences and gifts
• And plenty of coastal charm and camaraderie
 
Our live and silent auctions are made possible thanks to generous donations from individuals, businesses, and community partners. These contributions directly support our education, advocacy, and restoration work across the Barnegat Bay watershed.
 
Want to contribute a gift to this year’s auction?
Donate a gift or experience and help us make this year’s event unforgettable! Contact Maria Ritter, Development & Brand Management, at maria@savebarnegatbay.org for details. All donations are tax-deductible.

Special Thanks to our Sponsors

Would you or your business like to be a Sips & Shells Sponsor?

Email maria@savebarnegatbay.org to learn more!

Alexandra Sellitsch

Alex is 27 years old and is an aspiring marine biologist who is finishing up her junior year at Stockton University. Growing up by the beach has made a significant impact on Alex’s life, which has influenced her passion for the ocean. She is an advocate for elasmobranch conservation, and enjoys getting her hands dirty in research. Alex is currently an intern with Barnegat Bay, researching pathogen influences in the bay’s water. She is also an active intern partnering with one of her professors, who is researching dual seagrass habitats in the Mullica River-Great Bay Estuary. In her spare time, Alex enjoys spending time at the beach and teaching herserself new hobbies. Hobbies that include roller skating, and surfing. Alex is also volunteering with the Berkeley Township Underwater Search and Rescue Team, and is in the process of obtaining her SCUBA certification.