One Ocean Gala in Montauk, New York

On August 5th, the Surfrider Foundation hosted their annual One Ocean event at The Crow’s Nest in Montauk, New York. Honoring ‘Wavemaker’ Dr. Ayana Johnson, the star studded One Ocean benefit was the first of two annual bicoastal fundraisers to support the protection of clean water and healthy beaches. Following the event, Surfrider’s CEO, Dr. Chad Nelsen, said “Saturday night was an incredibly positive, hopeful and fun night for our ocean, coasts and the Surfrider Foundation. I'm encouraged to have met so many people with a deep respect and connection to our ocean, waves and beaches that we're working so hard to save”. 

More than 300 guests gathered at the sold-out event, the most successful One Ocean gala to date. The benefit brought together leaders in the surf, fashion, recreation and music industries to enjoy a gourmet dinner, art auction curated by Charles Adler, and live music by the Slenderbodies. Initiative updates were also shared by Dr. Nelsen on Surfrider’s ambitious goals to end ocean plastic pollution, ensure clean water for all, and protect our coastal communities from the impacts of climate change. Notable guests included John Slattery and Talia Balsam, Liev Schreiber and Taylor Neisen, Selby Drummond and Steven Dubb, Cynthia Rowley, Greg Long, Pat Schmidt and Quincy Davis, and other leaders from the tech, music, and fashion industries.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the ‘Wavemaker’ award, symbolized by a handcrafted piece from jewelry designer Jill Platner, to Dr. Ayana Johnson for her incredible work in marine conservation and ocean policy. Dr. Johnson is a marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and Brooklyn native. She co-founded and leads Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank for the future of coastal cities  and she co-authored the Blue New Deal, a roadmap for including the ocean in climate policy. Following the award presentation, Dr. Johnson shared some inspirational words and reminded attendees that the solutions exist, but we all must “choose our action” with examples that included donating to Surfrider and volunteering with your local chapter. 

The Surfrider Foundation extends gratitude to the generous sponsors, in-kind and auction donors, and all guests for supporting the protection of our ocean, waves and beaches for the future. Join us in October for Surfrider's One Ocean event in California (limited tickets and sponsorships available now)!

Thank you to our generous Sponsors: Patagonia, LaCroix, Salt+Snow, Dip and Godka.

Thank you to our generous Auction Donors: Breitling, Everlane, Dagne Dover, Vissla, Sisstrevolution, Maison Louis Marie, Cynthia Rowley, Salt + Snow, Tory Burch, Firewire, Patagonia, Lingua Franca, AllSwell, Faherty, Glow Recipe, Rothy's, AllSaints, Hyperice, Caddis, Naturally Good, Yeti, Natalie Arnoldi, Brian Bielmann, Bryanna Bradley, Casper Brindle, Anna Bryant, Kevin Butler, Russell Crotty, Sebastion Curi, Andy Davis, Ned Evans, Todd Glasser, Julie Goldstein, Leroy Grannis, Rick Griffin, Leo Hetzel, Don James, Allison Kunith, Leticia Lorenzini, Nathan Mckee, Mike Mior, Jason Murray, Russ Pope, Scott Richards, Grant Rohloff, John Severson, Pat Stacy, Ron Stoner, Matt Titone, Bruno Turpin, John Van Hamersveld, Alex Weinstein, Derek West, Hi-Dutch, Bagel & Vision, Tavarua Island Resort, A New Earth Project. 

Thank you to our generous In-Kind Sponsors: Sand Cloud, Ball Corporation, Fort Pond Native Plants and PopUp Florist.

For more info on Surfrider's annual One Ocean event, or to join us in October in LA, visit surfrider.org/one-ocean-event! Thanks for helping to protect the ocean, waves and beaches for the future.