Kids & Family

Fasy and Roberts Honored as Ocean City Citizens of the Year

Drew Fasy and Pastor Brian Roberts led the volunteer group that coordinated Superstorm Sandy relief efforts in Ocean City.

The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized Drew Fasy and Pastor Brian Roberts as Citizens of the Year on Thursday night (Nov. 14) for their work in coordinating a massive volunteer relief effort in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy last fall.

The honor was part of the Chamber's annual Citizen of the Year and Business Beautification Awards banquet held at the Ocean City Yacht Club.

Both men were quick to acknowledge the work of neighbors, churches, businesses and city employees in making sure Ocean City residents were fed, clothed and sheltered in the aftermath of the record flooding caused by Sandy.

"It's about everybody in the community who came together in an incredible way," said Fasy.

Pastor Roberts recalled people whose homes were decimated coming to St. Peter's United Methodist Church to make lasagna for the Food Cupboard.

"It's more blessed to give than to receive," Roberts quoted. He said Ocean City "is designed to be a place where people can connect with God."

Fasy is the broker/owner of NJ Realty in Sea Isle City. He and his wife, Kirsten, are parents of an Ocean City third-grader, Aidan. Fasy's involvement with OCNJ CARE started with "a simple offer of help." But it didn't stop there.

Cape May County Freeholder Marie Hayes likened him to "the Energizer bunny on steroids," noting that his persistence was a key to the success of OCNJ CARE.

Roberts is the senior pastor at St. Peter's and a graduate of Colgate University, Princeton Theological Seminary and Rutgers Graduate School of Management (MBA). He and his wife, Sandra, have two children, Alyson and Nathan, who are graduates of Ocean City High School.

"Pastor Brian Roberts was and continues to be a shining light of hope," emcee Michael Hartman said.

Fasy and Roberts took the helm as co-chairs of the newly formed OCNJ C.A.R.E. (Ocean City, New Jersey Cleanup and Recovery Efforts) following Sandy. The organization is a collaboration between Ocean City community organizations, the city and the Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Fasy and Roberts helped organize and mobilize hundreds of volunteers and organizations to aid in the clean-up efforts by providing information, volunteers and requesting donations for the storm victims.  Thousands of local residents were helped through the organization under their leadership.

Other awards from the event included.

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  • The Business Renovation/Improvement Award was presented to Moorlyn Family Theatre and Sharp Cleaners.
  • Broadley’s MDI and NJ Realty were awarded the Outstanding Landscaping/Signage Award.
  • Sun Seekers received the Business New Construction Award.
  • The Outstanding New Business Award was presented to Bangles and Bows and Cathy’s 14th Street Bakery.
  • The Outstanding Civic, Community, Non-Profit Organization Award was presented to OCNJ C.A.R.E. (Cleanup And Recovery Effort).
  • The Outstanding Service to the Community was presented to the City of Ocean City, Ocean City Fire Department, and Ocean City Police Department.
  • OC Paddleboard was awarded for Outstanding Use of Technology for their website and use of social media.
  • The Environmentally Friendly Award was presented to Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy and Fudge.

Special anniversary awards were presented to Ocean City Fishing Club for celebrating 100 years, The Flander’s Hotel for celebrating 90 years, Ocean City Historical Museum for celebrating 50 years, and Dr. Richard Stanislaw for his 11 years of service to the Ocean City Tabernacle. 


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