Don’t call it a Beach Jawn or a Seaside Event — we’re about to talk about the 13th annual St. Anne’s “Shore Thing.”

The St. Anne‘s reunion committee has organized this special get-together/fundraiser down the Jersey Shore in order to raise money to install an elevator from the lower to the upper level of St. Anne’s Church, located at 2328 E. Lehigh Ave. This is the second year that the money raised from the fundraiser will go toward an elevator in the church.

“We’re trying to make it more accessible because there’s a lot of steps in between the lower church and the upper church, so we want to make it easier so that people can get up,” said Nellie Hohenstein, alumni of St. Anne’s School.

Having two churches within the same building is fairly common in older churches. The basement church is smaller and not as ornate as the upper church. It was used to hold Mass while the more luxurious upper church was being constructed. St. Anne’s mostly uses the upper church in the wintertime, as it’s usually warmer than the lower church.

“I mean, not that both churches aren’t beautiful, but the upper church stands out,” said Theresa Stahl, another alumni of St. Anne’s.

“It really does,” echoed Hohenstein in agreement.

Stahl and Hohenstein are two of the people behind organizing the annual Shore Thing and took over responsibility for the annual event three years ago. In the past, the fundraiser has allowed to the church to do things like upgrade their shades so that there is less disturbance from outside traffic and passersby. The elevator is estimated to cost about $30,000, but this does not include factors like electrical, carpentry or masonry work.

“We’ve looked everywhere, and there is no funding for it,” Stahl said.

While most of the attendants went to St. Anne’s before it closed in June of 2011 due to low enrollment, the event is more of a neighborhood reunion than an alumni-only event. It’s a chance for those who used to live in the community and those who still do to reconnect and reminisce about the good times they shared together in the neighborhood.

“It’s become more like a neighborhood reunion now. People that moved away years ago show up down there. For instance, two friends of mine are coming this year, they moved to Merril Park 12 years ago, so this’ll be the first time they see anyone besides myself in three years.” Stahl said.

Shore Thing will be held August 15 from 3 – 7PM at Keenan’s Irish Pub at 113 New Jersey Ave., Wildwood, New Jersey, 08260. It is $35 per person, which includes beer, wine, soda and buffet. There will also be music and a photo booth. Those who wish to go are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased from St. Anne’s Rectory, 215-739-4590.