(DiverWire) A local dive center is doing something to make the holidays brighter in their community. Buzzards Bay Dive Center and The Travel Scene recently held a “dive with Santa” event for both certified scuba divers and folks who have never tried it. For the non certified folks it exposes them to the world of Scuba Diving by participating in a PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience under the direct supervision of PADI professionals from Buzzards Bay Dive Center, while helping out LOCAL folks who are less fortunate.
Every participant was asked to bring $5 worth of nonperishable food items, and they brought more! This year it was for the Onset Fire Department’s Box 5 Association’s annual holiday food drive. Along with the food donations which topped 500lbs, there was a raffle of local items and a 50/50 “duck Race which brought in $300.00 in cash! Along with Santa we had a special visit by Sammy the Shark!
It was hosted by Stephen B. Carey, owner of Buzzards Bay Dive Center, and Lynne Besse, owner of The Travel Scene. The event started in 2007 as the brainchild of Lynne Besse of The Travel Scene as a way to give back to our local community. Since then there has been approximately 3,000lbs of food and $ 800.00 collected for needy families to enjoy a holiday dinner!
The event is all done with donations. The staffs from both Buzzards Bay Dive Center and The Travel Scene along with some of our dear friends and family all donate their time. Massachusetts Maritime Academy, through Admiral Gurnon, hosts the event in their pool facility. Hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies, are donated by “Cup 2”, quahog chowder was donated by “The Quahog Republic” and decorations were donated by Target.
Raffle prizes this year were donated by Bay Point Country Club, Ella’s Restaurant, Charlie’s Place Restaurant, The Travel Scene, Harvester Seafood, Buzzards Bay Dive Center, Ocean State Seafood, Cup 2 Café, and the Shear Experience beauty salon and spa.
