Mocktails, Mango Pudding & Making a Difference

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What do you want to do tonight? For the first time in my life, I had a real answer! The local nonprofit organization Heart of Surfing was hosting a fun and lively fundraising event at Historic Smithville’s Fred and Ethel's Lantern Light Restaurant and Tavern. We parked in their dirt lot and walked up to Heart of Surfing lighting up Historic Smithville with raffles, mocktails, mermaids, and music—all in support of a great cause. 


After dropping in some raffle tickets into the fishbowl of prizes, we went to enjoy dinner. On our way we ran into organizers Cindy and Bob Fertsch! The Fertsch family started Heart of Surfing for their son, Jamie, who loved to ride the waves. Heart of Surfing is dedicated to creating positive, inclusive experiences for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Through recreational activities like surfing, skateboarding, scootering, roller skating, ice skating, and more, they provide opportunities for fun, confidence-building, and community connection in a supportive environment.



Joe and I were looking for a light dinner. Fred and Ethel’s gave every diner the Heart of Surfing menu with a full list of specials for the night. From my understanding, a portion of each check that night was donated to support Heart of Surfing. The best part of their menu? A mocktail section!! 


Lets start this party off right, first course shall be dessert with one of each mocktail they offer. The waiter dropped off 3 beautifully crafted mocktails. 


The Mocktail Round 🍹


Let's get into it:


First up was The Transformer, a sweet and sour fruit punch, and heavy on the punch, it was refreshing while also taking you on a wave of fruity flavor. 


Next was their Not-a-white sangria. It is fresh with a tropical vibe. I have no idea what is in it, but the pineapple sensation was the headliner of that show. 


Finally, we split a N/A Cranberry Mule that was loaded with ginger, exploding ginger beer, but where is the cran!? Don’t get me wrong it was delicious, I would totally get again, but man it was strong and maybe another shot or two of cranberry juice would have helped with the insane immunity boost I felt. 



I did share a few sips of each with my husband. He chose his favorite, and had to fight me off from finishing all three in record time. Three mocktails later, hydration never tasted so good.


Dessert First, Always 🍰

Halfway through the mocktails, our waiter dropped off the real showstopper: Mango Bread Pudding. Imagine warm, French-toast-like bread smothered in creamy mango pudding with chunks of fresh fruit. Sweet, comforting, and gone in record time. (Did I share? Maybe one reluctant bite.)


Dinner at Last 🍲


But, I guess I should give my body something more than bread and pudding. I opted to try a bowl of their tomato soup. I don’t care what anyone says. A well crafted bowl of tomato soup gives me the same reaction Anton Ego had in ratatouille from his main dish. A flash back to the snowy days as a child with the house filled with the aroma of freshly made tomato soup and an overcooked grilled cheese. Fred and Ethel’s delivered a smooth, creamy, flavorful tomato soup topped with house made croutons. Our whole meal was made even better knowing every sip and bite helped support inclusive surf, skate, and skating programs for kids and adults with autism and developmental disabilities.




A Night to Remember 🎶


It was time to get going. We had a few errands to run, so the party, for us, had to come to an early end. Laughter flowed over the live music and hula hooping as we waved goodbye to everyone. Another wonderful get together for a great cause. Be sure to check out www.heartofsurfing.org for their events, ways to get involved, and their social media pages where they will always update you on their ongoing events and fundraisers. 🎉🌊


Until Next Time,

The Sober Party Girl


Final Sober Party Girl Score: 10 out of 10! 


✅ Pros

  • Supports a great cause – Portion of the night’s proceeds went directly to Heart of Surfing’s programs.

  • Fun atmosphere – Raffles, live music, hula hoops, and even costumed characters (mermaids & Lilo & Stitch).

  • Special event menu – A custom Heart of Surfing menu made the night feel unique.

  • Mocktail menu – Creative, non-alcoholic drink options (rare and refreshing!).

  • Standout dessert – Mango Bread Pudding stole the show.

  • Comfort food done right – Tomato soup was warm, nostalgic, and well-made.


⚠️ Cons

  • Cranberry Mule was too ginger-heavy – Could’ve used more cranberry flavor.
Location: Smithville, Galloway, NJ 08205, USA

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