A Tradition of Giving Back
Miss Night in Venice is a summer fundraising pageant and community service initiative held annually in Ocean City, New Jersey. For more than 58 years, the organization has supported local charities in Cape May and Atlantic counties while providing women ages 15 to 25, from any state, with a meaningful way to give back to their community and earn community service hours for school and personal development.
Purpose-Driven Fundraising
The program centers on fundraising for selected local non-profit organizations.
Over a six-week period, contestants collect donations, with all efforts counting toward verified community service hours.
The competition is simple and purpose-driven: the contestant who raises the highest total is crowned Miss Night in Venice and represents the event throughout the remainder of the year.
A Celebrated Summer Tradition
The experience culminates in a celebratory crowning ceremony at the Ocean City Tabernacle, where contestants, families, and community members come together to recognize the incredible fundraising efforts and dedication of each participant. The evening marks a proud and meaningful moment, celebrating not only the crowning of Miss Night in Venice, but also the collective impact made in support of local charities.
Following the crowning, Miss Night in Venice receives a once-in-a-lifetime honor—riding at the head of Ocean City’s annual Night in Venice Boat Parade. This is one of the city’s most beloved summer traditions. The queen and contestants will have the honor of leading the parade, creating a highly visible and memorable moment for the event. Their presence showcases the spirit of generosity, community pride, and celebration that defines the parade. This leadership role helps make the event a true highlight of the summer for both participants and spectators.
Who Can Participate
The Miss Night in Venice Committee is currently seeking women, ages 15 to 25, from any state, who are looking for a fun, rewarding way to gain community service experience while making a real impact locally.
New This Year!
New this year, the 2026 Queen will be awarded a $1,000.00 scholarship or will be able to donate the $1,000.00 to a charity of her choice.
How the Program Works
Contestants begin their Miss Night in Venice journey by applying to become contestants in this meaningful fundraising initiative.
Once accepted, participants take part in a fundraising period during which they collect donations for selected local non-profit organizations, dedicating their time and energy to supporting important causes within the community.
Throughout this process, all fundraising efforts count toward official community service hours, providing valuable experience and recognition for school and personal records.
The journey culminates in a celebratory crowning ceremony at the Ocean City Tabernacle, where the contestant who has raised the highest total is honored with the title of Miss Night in Venice.
Following the ceremony, Miss Night in Venice and the contestants are given the special honor of leading Ocean City’s iconic Night in Venice Boat Parade, proudly celebrating generosity, community spirit, and the lasting impact of their collective efforts.
Get Involved
Does this sound like something for you? To get involved or learn more, email the Miss Night in Venice Committee at nightinvenicecommit@gmail.com, before May 26. You can also connect through the NIV Instagram page for updates and information.
Stay In Touch
Stay connected with Miss Night in Venice by joining our email list. By signing up, you’ll be the first to hear about upcoming events, contestant announcements, important dates, and ways to get involved in supporting local charities. It’s the easiest way to stay informed and be part of the tradition that brings our community together each summer.
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