On August 9, the Surfrider Foundation’s highly anticipated annual One Ocean Gala returned to Montauk. Hosted at the iconic Crow’s Nest, the event brought together over 350 ocean advocates, cultural icons, and community leaders for an evening where environmental activism met Hamptons glamour.

As environmental pressures continue to challenge the East End, the Surfrider Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to restore coastal habitats and preserve the wild beauty, ecological integrity, and soulful beach culture that define the community. This year’s gala raised over half a million dollars, directly fueling initiatives like dune grass restoration projects that strengthen our coastline against storms, campaigns to cut down on single-use plastic pollution, year-round beach cleanups, and their Eastern Long Island Blue Water Task Force, which fills critical gaps in beach water testing.

This year’s gala honored longtime supporters and passionate ocean conservation advocates Taylor and Liev Schreiber as Wavemakers. The event was co-hosted by Sarah and Matt Jackson, with a host committee including Julianne Moore and Bart Freundlich, Cynthia Rowley, Rufus Wainwright, Selby Drummond and Steven Dubb, Greg Long, Jayma Cardoso, Rachelle and Sean MacPherson, Christina and Howard Blaustein, and Shelby Meade. 

Set against the serene backdrop of Lake Montauk, the One Ocean Gala seamlessly blends conservation with celebration. The event began with a picturesque sunset reception on the water where guests enjoyed refreshing craft cocktails and mocktails, delicious hors d’oeuvres and a raw bar, and DJ sets from Chris Gentile of Pilgrim Surf + Supply and Andrew VanWyngarden of MGMT. The evening then unfolded with a magical farm-to-table dinner prepared by The Crow’s Nest.

A silent and live auction added another layer of excitement, featuring exclusive getaways to Tuscany, the Azores, and Kelly Slater Surf Ranch; a Pilgrim Surf Supply x Charles Mencel surfboard; Cynthia Rowley wetsuits; custom jewelry from Jill Platner and Prounis; and other treasures from Finisterre, Breitling, Alpaka, and Yeti.

The One Ocean Gala is an event that unites everyone under a shared love for the sea – an evening where salt air mingles with champagne, and conversations drift from eroding coastline and ocean-friendly gardens that filter pollution to the best local surf breaks.

To learn more about the Surfrider Foundation, visit surfrider.org.

-By Patricia Sotos