'Decked Out; for the CIB with annual Benefit for the Bays

The Center for the Inland Bays will hold its sixth annual Decked Out Benefit for the Bays on Thursday, July 26, from 7 to 10 p.m.

“They thought it would be a great idea to do something here in our beautiful building overlooking the inlet,” explained Jenn Jones, the CIB’s development coordinate. “It’s turned into a really great event.”

The event will be held at the CIB’s headquarters, right on the bay. Jones said attendees will be able to enjoy food, drinks and a stunning view of the bay during the soiree.

“We have a steel drum band coming again this year, so that’ll be nice. We usually have them out on the deck,” she said. “We’ll have some great food and desserts this year.”

Food donated by various local restaurants, including McCabe’s Gourmet Market, Just Hooked and the Cultured Pearl will be offered to guests seeking tasty appetizers.

“Cabo — a new area restaurant will be offering fish tacos out on the deck,” she added.

Jones said the Margarita Man would again be in attendance at the event, while Dogfish Head Brewery has donated beer.

A silent auction will also be available for attendees to bid on “bay-themed” items.

“We’ll have a bay-themed silent auction, where we try to get things that are very water-related and a lot of fun. We’re working on some good items right now. We have some beautiful jewelry made out of jasper. Grant Massey — he’s a local artist. He usually works with copper, but this year he did a beautiful glass wall-hanging of fish.”

Other items in the silent auction include surfing lessons, spa treatments, jewelry made out of recycled beach finds and an antique item repurposed as a planter, from Jayne’s Reliable, with native plants from Nature Design Garden Center.

Tickets for the event cost $50, and Jones said they come close to selling out every year.

“We generally have around 150,” she said, “which is about our maximum capacity.”

Jones said that the event raises close to $12,000 each year, which helps with the center’s various programs and projects.

“The proceeds will be used to carry out the Center’s work toward healthy, clean Inland Bays through education and outreach, science and research, habitat protection and restoration and public policy.”

Jones said she hopes that the community will come out for casual but festive party, as those who attend always have a good time.

“People who come just love it and try to come every year. I know it’s a busy time of year for people with vacations. We have a crowd that comes back year after year because it really is a good time.”

For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (302) 226-8105. The Center for the Inland Bays headquarters is located at 39375 Inlet Road, on the north side of the Indian River Inlet.