FILE PHOTO
A group of pirates and partygoers pose for a photo during the 10th annual Pirate Party fundraiser hosted by Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services last year on the Duckaneer Pirate Ship docked outside Sunset Grille in West Ocean City. About 150 people are expected to attend the event Friday night at the restaurant.

By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer

(May 16, 2019) Roughly 20 pirates of a sort will don their finest gear for a good cause this Friday during the Pirate Party fundraiser.
Steve Taylor, executive director of Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, said event guests could expect to see a ship’s complement of buccaneers at the 11th annual event.
“The pirates themselves go all out, and many of them are ordering their outfits online, [which] typically comes with a hat, and a patch, and a jacket, and pants, and boots, and the whole thing,” Taylor said. “Others make their own costumes – blue jeans with a red bandana or something like that. Maybe a gold hoop earing, so there’s quite a variety of outfits, which is what makes it fun.”
Taylor expects about 150 people to attend Friday’s affair, which will take place from 6-9 p.m. Sunset Grille on 12933 Sunset Ave. in West Ocean City.
While it’s not required, event organizers encouraged guests to dress in pirate attire.
Tickets can be purchased for $49 at the Sunset Grille or at the Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services’ office on 124 North Main St. in downtown Berlin. Event proceeds help fund the organization’s programs.
“It’s our largest fundraiser of the year,” Taylor said.
The event’s fundraising has varied in recent years, according to Taylor, who said the event has raised $201,083 since 2013. The proceeds peaked in 2017 with $49,581, according to Taylor.
In addition to the entertainment, the price of admission allows guests access to a buffet and one free drink ticket.
Guests also will be offered live music, raffles, and a silent auction, according to organization officials.
The pirates may not have to walk the plank, but will be aboard the Duckaneer Pirate Ship, which Taylor said would be docked outside of Sunset Grille.
“Seeing people dressed up as pirates and walking around and behaving like pirates and having the Duckaneer pirate ship there is … just a fun-filled event,” he said.
Taylor said the nonprofit’s pirates have committed to raising at least $500 for the fundraiser.
Those interested in donating to help the pirates’ cause can also visit gowoyo.org/donate.
Additionally, Taylor expressed his gratitude to the following businesses sponsoring the event: Atlantic Physical Therapy, Austin Purnell, Ayers Creek Adventures, Beach House CrossFit, Bergey & Company, Castle in the Sand, Cards Technology, Church Mouse, CrossFit Ocean City, D3, Duckaneer, Dough Roller, Harborside Bar & Grill, IV Solutions, Kendall Furniture, NFP Insurance, Sunset Grille and Taylor Bank.
In the event of inclement weather, organization officials said the event would be rescheduled for May 31.
Mid-week forecasts show a high of 76 degrees with a 20 percent chance of morning showers.
For more information, call the organization’s office 410-641-4598, or visit the website www.gowoyo.org.