Contestant’s Requirements
- Ages 15 to 25
- May live in any state
- Collect money for local charities which the committee has selected .
- The date for the contestants to sign up is before May 26th (The date for the charities to send in their information is by April 1)
The contestant that collections the most amount of money will be crowned Miss NIV 2026.
Susan Doll
Contestant Coordinator, Miss Night in Venice
609-425-5708
dollsusan3889@gmail.com
Pat Gillian
Chair, Miss Night in Venice 609-335-6909
patgillianniv@icloud.com
Sharon Capizzi-Walsh
Treasurer, Miss Night in Venice Charity 609-464-2464
peezi@aol.com
A Tradition of Giving Back
Miss Night in Venice is a 5 week summer fundraising event 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 from any state, ages 15 to 25, 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 five-week period, contestants collect donations, with all efforts counting toward verified community service hours. Over the history of the crowning, the Miss Night in Venice Charity has awarded over a MILLION DOLLAR to area charities!
A Celebrated Summer Tradition
The experience culminates in a celebratory crowning ceremony at the Ocean City Tabernacle, where contestants, families, local charities, 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, her Court, and contestants will not only have the honor of leading the parade for this highly visible event, but will create amazing lifelong memories while participating in the boat parade, and several other parades throughout the year. 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 from any state, ages 15 to 25, 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 registered 501C-3 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 five week fundraising period during which they collect donations from family, friends and associates 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 the final totals awarded to area charities in addition to official community service hours, which provide 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.