Surfrider’s One Ocean Gala Celebrates 40 Years Of Ocean Protection

East End ocean lovers gathered to support coastal conservation at the Surfrider Foundation’s One Ocean Gala, which celebrated 40 years of ocean protection on August 10 at The Crow’s Nest in Montauk.

Surfrider aims to protect the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches. As a result of Surfrider’s annual One Ocean event, the organization has increased local capacity, clean water efforts, and plastic pollution reduction in Eastern Long Island communities. Guests enjoyed the views, craft cocktails, silent and live auctions, live music, and a seated dinner prepared by The Crow’s Nest’s culinary team.

This year’s event was held to provide the funding necessary for a new full-time staff member on the East End who will focus on nature-based solutions to help protect local beaches from erosion and other threats related to climate change. The event honored Sean MacPherson and Rachelle Hruska MacPherson and celebrated Janet MacPherson.

“It was great to be with such dedicated friends of the ocean as we marked Surfrider’s 40th anniversary, celebrated the life and contributions of the legendary Janet MacPherson, and honored Rachelle and Sean MacPherson for their commitment to the ocean and coasts in Montauk. Thanks to everyone involved, we surpassed last year’s event, raising more than half a million dollars for our work to protect our ocean and coasts, and a step closer to launching our coastal restoration program in New York! Through this program, we plan to work with East End communities to address beach loss and other climate impacts through proven solutions found in nature,” said Dr. Chad Nelsen, CEO of The Surfrider Foundation.